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Even in the midst of preparing for deployment to Iraq, the Maryville-based Howitzer Battery, 1st Squadron, of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment is watching over Empty Pantry Fund and Toys for Blount County.

The regiment will leave Sunday for Camp Shelby, Miss., but the Tennessee Army National Guard Armory on West Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, will continue to be staffed to allow volunteers with the two charities to safely store, pack and deliver food and toys to Blount County's less-fortunate at Christmas.

The Empty Pantry Fund has increased substantially again, thanks to the generosity of Blount County citizens and friends. For the second time in a row, almost $10,000 has been added. Donations range from $5 to $5,000.

Donations to the Empty Pantry Fund are tax-deductible, and funds raised are used solely to provide food for the 1,424 families who signed up in October. All baskets have been designated and will be delivered Dec. 20.

Donations to date include:

Balance forward, $59,611

Olson Technology Inc., $5,000

In memory of Laura Joines, Homer and Gailey Mull by Don and Wilma Mull, $100

In memory of our loved ones by Bill and Marie McClanahan, $100

Amy and Roger Newman, $50

In memory of our beloved son and brother, Keith Moore, by Mildred, Kelvin and Cynthia Moore, $100

In memory of Joe E. Rogers by Jody Rogers, $50

Pioneer Sunday School Class of Pecks Memorial Methodist Church, $100

Robert and Diane Brandsborg, $50

Dr. and Mrs. Ted L. Flickinger, $200

Gary M. and Janice H. Wade, $200

Iva Joyce and Ellis R. Berrier, $100

In memory of Laura Joines by Joyce and Harold Berry, $50

In memory of Brad Berry by Joyce and Harold Berry, $50

In honor of our children and grandchildren by Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Bean, $50

Jack and Ina Vann Whaley, $25

Louise Tindell, $25

Mr. and Mrs. Ross Coppenger Jr., $25

In honor of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by Betty and Homer Shumer, $30

In memory of Sue Newman by Jerry and Susan Roberts, $100

In memory of Lynn Giffin by Erma Giffin, $100

Ruth H. Weston, $100

L.H. and L.L. Jordan, $100

Mary Ruth Hoyt, $75

In memory of Tim Laxton, Elizabeth and W.J. Long by Ben and Wanda Long, $100

In memory of our parents by Earl and Lorene Hubbs, $50

Law's Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, $100

In memory of Pete and Imogene Wheeler by Becky Harrill and Kathy Stinnett, $100

In memory of deceased family members, $50

In memory of John Cobble by T.C. and G.T. Teague, $25

Freeman and Shirley Buckner, $100

Clyde and Sandy Roberts, $50

In loving memory of Clyde, Judy and Tony by Bettye (Susie) Thomas, $25

In thanksgiving for our sons, Everett and Rick Hirche by Susan and Bob Hirche, $100

In honor of Mike and Julia Frances Clark by Harold and Chris Clark, $100

In memory of Cheryl Purkey by P and B Purkey, $100

In memory of my husband, John Law Jr. by Regenia R. Law, $100

In memory of Bruce Hill by Regenia R. Law, $50

Tim and Linda Richards, $100

A friend, $5

A friend, $20

In memory of Hubert W. Burns by Helen Burns, $25

A friend, $100

Bud and Jeane Waters, $100

Judy and Lawrence Ackley, $100

In honor of Paul Bales by Bill and Mary Justice, $100

Jean E. and Joe Jerry Jones, $25

Lloyd R. and Edith A. Jenkins, $100

Albert and Cathy Petty, $750

In memory of Bob Heintz, $20

Marceil H. Peery, $100

Stewart and Janice Taylor, $100

William F. Lane, $50

Wesley-Mitchell Sunday School Class, First Methodist Church, $100

Lillian P. Lyle, $100

Grace Memorial Church, $100

Orman and Evelyn Blackwood, $30

Darrell P. and Ann Herron, $30

In memory of our loved ones by Jake and Iva Wilde, $100

TOTAL -- THANK YOU, $69,596