News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Angey Saucier Date: 4/22/03   SLU’S SIFE TO LAUNCH SUPPORT FOR TROOPS MAY 1       HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) will launch 1,000 balloons Thursday, May 1 in support of the U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East.        Prior to the 1:50 p.m. launch at the War Memorial Student Union, SIFE members will sell message cards to be attached to the balloons for $1. The organization will also collect care package item donations for the troops. Items may be brought to the General Business Department located in room 60 of Garrett College of Business Building on Western Ave. prior to May 1.       “Proceeds from the balloon launch and all care items will be turned over to the Hammond Rotary Club, who has been spearheading much of the donations for our troops in the city” said Dawn Wallace, faculty advisor for SIFE.       Items being accepted for the care packages include phone cards, handkerchiefs, hand towels (non-terry, brown), hand sanitizer, tooth paste, tooth brushes, lip balm, non-aerosol deodorant, sun screen, cotton swabs, playing cards, crossword books, magazines, non-perishable food/snack items, small spray atomizers/misters (no glass), unscented baby wipes and refills, Japanese-style folding hand fans, sunglasses (UV/polarized) and chewing gum.        Items that may also be donated to troops to give to children in the Middle East include small musical instruments and small simple toys such as rubber/tennis balls, yo-yos, frisbees, and stuffed animals.       “We are asking no dolls to be given because much of the Islamic faith observes strict prohibitions against graven images of any kind,” said Wallace. “Please remember to keep items small and compact as our troops are going to be hauling them around and will not have much storage space.”       The launch signifies the final SIFE community service project for the 2002-2003 academic year. On April 7, the team was named regional champions in Atlanta, Ga. for completing a 24-minute presentation of the nine projects completed this year. As regional champions, the team will present their projects at the 2003 SIFE USA National Exposition May 11-13 in Missouri.       For more information on the balloon launch and the care item donations, contact Wallace at 985-549-2855. Return to News Releases