Several area businesses will be collecting items for a Soldier Stocking Drive, Thursday through Nov. 24, according to a news release sent Tuesday. Organizers hope to collect items to fill 100 stockings for the 1138th Engineer Company deployed in Afghanistan. Items requested include: snacks, drinks, toiletries and personal entertainment items. Items can be dropped off at: LaCroix Pet Hospital, 2984 County Road 620; Mississippi Mutts, 1231 Broadway; Little Caesars, 97 N. Kingshighway, Ste. 6, Cape Girardeau and 705 E. Jackson Blvd., Jackson; The Elks Lodge, 639 Elks Lane, Cape Girardeau; Pagoda Gardens, 329 S. Kingshighway; and Beef O'Brady's, 1812 Carondalet Drive No. 1100. Cash donations are accepted at LaCroix Pet Hospital, care of Kimberly Necas. For more information, call 573-587-9261.