It’s the 10th year for WION's (Ionia) “Treasures for Troops,” and this year's drive is complete.  The station announced on November 20, that working together, WION’s listeners, friends, advertisers, and Ionia and Saranac School Systems helped the Blue Star Mothers ship out 198 boxes to servicemen and women who are far from home!

"We’re so proud of this year’s effort, especially given the bad economy we’re all living in and how discretionary funds are less to individuals, families, and donors. We never dreamt that we’d get this many boxes filled and sent this year," said the station in a release. "In whatever you contributed, all of us who work on “Treasures for Troops” are grateful, and proud of you!"

This year's effort ran from November 13 through 17.  Broadcasts were scheduled at various locations in the station's coverage area to invite donations and the station had setup drop off locations in Ionia, Lowell and Muir.  A needs list was also posted on the station's website to help those who wanted to contribute to the cause.  Additionally, the station invited listeners to submit names and addresses of servicemen and women to receive the gift packages.

The station thanks its many partners in Ionia, Kent, and Montcalm Counties, including major partners Young Chevrolet GMC and the Blue Star Mothers of Ionia, Kent, and Montcalm counties.  Thanks also went out to Reurink Roofing and Siding for being a drop off location as well as storing the donations until sorted and mailed.