Few would deny Chattanooga’s Army Reserve unit, the 212th Transportation Company serving in Afghanistan, deserves a hand of applause. Area residents will have a chance to give 212th members a different kind of hand Sunday by bringing items for their use to Chattanooga Market.
Accepting donations will be the 212th’s Family Readiness Group, an organization of family members, volunteers, soldiers and civilian employees who provide mutual support and assistance and a network of communication among the members.
Melissa Siragusa, a spokeswoman for Chattanooga Market, said the market’s “Celebrate Chattanooga’s Best” theme certainly fits the Army Reserve unit’s mission.
IF YOU GO* What: Chattanooga Market (theme “Celebrate Chattanooga’s Best”).* When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.* Where: First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St.* Admission: Free* Phone: 648-2496
A similar effort at the July 4 market “went over really well,” she said, “so we just decided in celebrating Chattanooga’s best that we would support the organization again.”
Among the items the Family Readiness Group hopes to get for the soldiers are baby wipes (travel size), hand sanitizer (travel size), individually wrapped snacks (chips, pretzels, candy, granola bars, etc., but no chocolate), personal items (toothbrushes, body wash, toothpaste, etc.), sunblock, bug spray, microwave foods (popcorn, macaroni and cheese, etc.), powdered drink mixes, small flashlights, linens (green and tan) and dry soup mixes.
Live music will be offered by Ryan Oyer of Ringgold, Ga., at 12:30 p.m. and by Roy Schneider at 2 p.m.
Oyer, an alternative/acoustic/indie rock artist, is known for his song “Rabbit Hole” and is often seen at Tremont Tavern. He released the album “Come Together” in January.
Schneider, a Fort Myers, Fla., resident who ended his nationally syndicated comic strip “The Humble Stumble” in 2008 to concentrate on his love of music, is a folk/blues/Americana artist who began touring in the summer of 2009. His current work is “Erleichda,” his third studio album.
Contact Clint Cooper at ccooper@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6497.