Area residents are being asked to “join the crusade” in battling cancer by collecting items for care kits.

The grassroots movement was organized by Dana Barefoot, who said that she felt led to start the drive.

“If you look at it, an overwhelming number of children and adults in our community are battling cancer right now,” Barefoot said. “This is our way of providing a little comfort on that journey.”

Residents are being asked to donate items such as:

• a pocket size Bible;

• Chapstick;

• trial size hand lotion;

• trial size hand sanitizer;

• pocket packs of tissue;

• journal and pen;

• crossword, word find or activity books;

• hard candy;

• small stuffed animal for a child;

• set of plastic utensils; and,

• scarf, hat or bandanna.

“You may wonder about the plastic utensils, but I’ve been told metal tastes bad during chemo,” Barefoot said. “These are simple items that can make a difference in someone’s day.”

Barefoot said the donated items will be assembled in “chemotherapy care kits.”

“These kits will be distributed to hospitals where some of our local warriors are currently doing battle against cancer,” she said. “It’s a small thing that we can do to let them know that we are supporting them and others who are fighting this horrible disease.”

Items can be dropped off at Andalusia Animal Clinic, she said.

For more information, call or text Barefoot at 334.504.3983 or e-mail ddbarefoot@yahoo.com.