Inspired by a local soldier, the Scarsdale Teen Center is helping U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan by collecting items like socks, candy, gum, books, CDs, dental floss, tooth brushes, dry fruit, snack bars for the soldiers.

The center is also collecting small toys that can be given to chlldren on the streets of Afghanistan.

The deadline for the donations is Nov. 29.

Drop in hours at the Teen Center for anyone who wants to donate items: Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26, from 3 - 11 pm. The Teen Center is at 862 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale.

The inspiration for the drive is 1st Lt. David Kemp, the son of Barbara and Gil Kemp of Scarsdale. Kemp and his troops are back in Afghanistan.

While the center is accepting small items that can make life easier for the soldiers away from home, the center is not accepting cash or check as donations.