ELKHART – Jimtown and Triton will battle on the hardcourt Friday night for the last time as Northern State Conference boys basketball rivals, but there will be much more important attachment to the game at Jimtown.

The night will be dubbed “Military Appreciation Night”, hosted by Jimtown but also extended to Triton as a show of support for members of the United States military. JV tip is set for 6:15 p.m. with the varsity to follow.

Several events will happen throughout the evening:

The Jimtown boys will wear special camouflage-themed military basketball uniforms which are provided by the Indiana National Guard.

The Indiana National Guard will be on hand with a giant American Flag that will be used to spread out for the National Anthem in a patriotic salute prior to the game.

The “Michiana Blue Star Mothers” will be on hand to accept donations for care packages.

The items collected will be packaged and sent to service men and women who are serving overseas. As an incentive for folks to participate, Jimtown is offering a special discounted gate ticket of only $2 per person if that person brings an item to donate to the Michiana Blue Star Mothers care package drive. Jimtown held the event last season with great success and look for a big turnout this year.

Some preferred items to donate would include:
Food Items
Beef Jerky / Slim Jims
Hot Chocolate Packets
Tea
Instant Drink Mixes (Gatorade, Crystal Light)
Sunflower Seeds (salted)
Tuna in foil pouches (no cans)
Protein Bars
Gum and hard candy/Altoids/Mints
Granola Bars/Power Bars/Cereal Bars
Small Pkgs. Fig Newtons, Oreos, Cheese-its
Trail Mix
Dried Fruit
Granola
Fruit Roll-ups
Nuts: Peanuts, Mixed Nuts
Microwave Food (Popcorn, Chef-Boy-R-Dee, Mac’n & Cheese)
Cookies
Cheese & Cracker Packs
Instant Oatmeal
Rice Krispie Treats (Store-bought only)
Juice Boxes/Drink Pouches
Individual Snack sized Peanut Butter
Chex Mix
Pudding Cups
Fruit (single sized servings)

Toiletries (No hotel samples)

Baby Wipes (Travel Size)
Liquid Hand Sanitizers (No pumps)
Body Wash, Liquid Soap
Shampoo/Conditional (Travel Size)
Hair Gel
Combs/Brushes/Bobby Pins
Eye Drops (i.e. Visine)
Nasal Spray
Deodorant (Travel Size)
Disposable Razors
Shaving Cream
Cotton Swabs
Band-aids, Gauze Pads, First Aid Kits
Lip Balm/Chap Stick
Foot Powder (Travel Size)
Tissues (Individual Packs)
Sunblock (SPF 45)
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Hand & Body Lotion/Moisturizer (Travel Size)
Nail Files/Emery Boards/Nail Clippers
Feminine Hygiene Products
Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, Aspirin packs
Antacids
Dental Floss
Disposable Hand and Feet Warmers
Insect Repellent Wipes
Mouthwash (Travel Size)

Leisure Items

Pens/Mechanical Pencils
Stationery & Envelopes
Batteries (AA, AAA, C)
DVD Movies (New Releases)
Crossword Puzzle Books/Word Search Books/ Math Puzzle Books/Sodoku
Small Flashlights
Playing Cards
Magazines (Not older than 3 months)
Pre-paid international phone cards
Fly Strips
Soft cover books