PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The 111th Army-Navy game takes place on Saturday, December 11th at the Linc in South Philadelphia. Those attending will be able to show their appreciation for the troops by donating items for holiday care packages in a campaign called “Operation Gratitude.”

Collection boxes will be assembled at the entrances of the Linc. Those attending the Army-Navy game will be able to drop off non-perishable snacks, entertainment items, and letters of appreciation.

Larry Needle is the executive director of the Philadelphia Sports Congress, a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Needle says you do not need a ticket to the game to make a donation:

“Fans coming to the game or those who would just like to swing by and drop something off, even if they’re not staying for the game, I can assure you that all of those items will be very well received by the troops.”

For a list of requested items you can go to Phillylovesarmynavy.com.

Reported by John McDevitt, KYW Newsradio