Students collecting gifts for USS Cole

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) -- Students at Salve Regina University are sending some holiday cheer to U.S. sailors stationed far from home this holiday season.

On Thursday, sociology student at the Newport university were assembling about 250 care packages for members of the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Cole.  The destroyer is currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea.

Students at both Salve Regina and Middletown High School have been accepting donations throughout the week.  Donations were still being sought as of Thursday afternoon.

Some suggested items for donations include gum, healthy snacks, energy drinks, microwaveable food, toiletries, lip balm, black boot socks, blue Hanes t-shirts, magazines, books, pens, hand and feet warmers, and gift cards.

Donations can be brought to Salve Regina University's State Dining Room of Ochre Court on 100 Ochre Point Ave in Newport.

Donors are also encouraged to write personalized thank you messages to the sailors.

The care packages were being assembled between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday.  They are expected to arrive on the USS Cole in time for Christmas.