Beanie Babies, breath mints and lip balm will soon be making their way to military troops overseas.

The items are included on a list of possible donations from Emmons Hall residents who are participating in Operation Gratitude, a national organization that has sent more than 36,800 care packages to soldiers stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo and the Korean peninsula.

Meggan Willersdorf, the assistant director for Emmons Hall, said she found the program on a Web site and thought it was a great idea.

"It gives residents an opportunity to volunteer - to give their time and effort," she said. "The war touches everyone. Many college students know someone overseas, so I think residents can connect. It is important to show our support."

Besides donating items, the residents of Emmons Hall also are competing with each other. The floor that donates the most items receives a pizza party.

"I was going to donate anyway, but I think the pizza party is an incentive for more people to participate," mechanical engineering sophomore Megan Engel said. "The troops are risking a lot and they have a lot of courage."

Engel donated Nutri-Grain bars, toothpaste and cough drops, but some residents are planning a more personalized donation.

"I am writing a few letters to the soldiers," interior design sophomore Susan Wesche said. "I'll say the soldiers are in our thoughts and express appreciation, and I'll also try to be encouraging. I don't have a lot of money, but I still want to show support and let them know people are thinking about them.

"Honestly, if I were in their position, I would rather get a letter than foot powder."

Residents of the second floor went door-to-door asking for money and items to collect. With the floor funds, Melissa Sparks, a resident mentor and special education learning disabilities sophomore, bought toothpaste, popcorn and deodorant.

"This is a way to give back and show that you're thankful," she said.

The donation drive ends Monday. The winner will be determined by the percentage of the floor that donated, not by the sheer amount, because some floors have more residents than others.

This is the first year Emmons Hall has participated in Operation Gratitude, but Willersdorf hopes it will be a new tradition.