The first wave of soldiers from the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division could come home in late May, although the entire unit likely won’t be back until July.

The brigade’s return is part of the larger troop drawdown in Iraq that U.S. political and military leaders have spoken of for months.

Lakewood City Councilwoman Helen McGovern suggested during a council meeting last month that the city spearhead the gift campaign.

“We want to show how much we appreciate them,” she said last week. “Even though it’s a small thing, it’s personal.”

Public donations will be accepted at City Hall.

The brigade has about 4,000 soldiers. Many will come home to families, but about half will report to the barracks at Fort Lewis because they are single or don’t have family nearby. The gift baskets are meant for the unaccompanied soldiers.

McGovern said the items need to be in baskets and ready for distribution to family readiness groups at Fort Lewis by May 23. She said she has talked to Stacey Lehr, the wife of the brigade commander Col. Jon Lehr, about the gift baskets and when they need to be ready.

Lakewood spokesman Jeff Brewster said the city will store the items until they are ready to be sent to Fort Lewis. He said officials are looking for shoebox-sized donations.

For more than two years, 4th Brigade and Lakewood have had a “community connector” relationship.

Members of the brigade, when back home at Fort Lewis, take part in service projects, helping clean parks, mentoring and tutoring young people, among other things, officials said.

The gift basket project means the Lakewood community can give back to the brigade as it returns from war, Brewster said.

Fort Lewis spokesman Joe Piek said the 4-2 was sent to Iraq for a planned 15-month deployment in April 2007. He said he couldn’t say when they will come back due to operational security reasons.

About the gift basket campaign, Piek said: “It’s very much appreciated by the soldiers.”

When they return to the barracks, it takes a few weeks before they are allowed to go on leave. Piek said having the gift baskets waiting means they don’t have to run to the store right away.

“I’m ecstatic they have a plan to pull this together,” he said of Lakewood.

Rob Tucker: 253-597-8374

How to get involved

What people can donate: New towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, shaving supplies, bars of soap, cookies, chips, packaged crackers and cheese, juice, soda, bottled water, candy, cookies, gift cards, telephone calling cards, and discount coupons for movies or pizza.

Where they can drop items off: Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St. S.W., at the first-floor reception desk during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

For more information:

253-589-2489