For Immediate Release

 Local Business Campaigns to Support Our Troops
Donate an Item at Bay Street Bead Works and get a Discount!

GLENS FALLS - Sending care packages to the troops serving overseas doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, local businesswoman Alyson Epstein, owner of Bay Street Bead Works, has made it easy: donate an item and get a discount on your store purchase.

"One of my customers gave me the idea to send the troops care packages. So I started thinking, what can I do?" said Ms. Epstein. That's when she searched online for an organization that links people and businesses to troops and platoons serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

She found AdoptaPlatoon.org and submitted an application online. Within a few weeks AdoptaPlatoon.org matched Ms. Epstein with a platoon of 20 soldiers serving overseas.

All kinds of donations will be accepted at Bay Street Bead Works. From toiletries to snacks, from pre-paid calling cards to recreational items, for every donation you give, you will get 7% off any purchase at Bay Street Bead Works.

"We will pay your sales tax and you will be supporting our troops!" said Ms. Epstein. Care packages will be mailed once a month starting in February and will continue until the platoon comes home. For a list of suggestions or to donate items, please visit Bay Street Bead Works at 88 Bay Street in Glens Falls or call the store at 798-BEAD (2323).