A group of Oregon National Guard soldiers who train in Hood River and Salem had a little more excitement for Christmas Day than planned when a suicide bomber detonated his vest near their compound in Afghanistan.

Community members in The Dalles and Hood River are asked to donate snack and hygiene items to make Christmas merrier for an Oregon National Guard platoon and other troops in Afghanistan. The goal of the Holidays for Heroes Committee is to pack at least 30 boxes at a public event on Thursday, Nov. 16.