Main Street restaurant serves up patriotism

One local eatery is hoping to bring platefuls of community support to military troops overseas.

MacAllisters Grill & Tavern, on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, is working with the Sarasota Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America to collect items for troops serving in Afghanistan.

Customers can take away a postal flat-pack box and fill it with items. The address label and instructions for mailing are included. A table is set up at the restaurant with information about the program.

Recommended items for boxes include socks, T-shirts, gum, peanuts, chewing tobacco, pens, paper and coffee. Items should be non-perishable.

The drive will continue through Memorial Day.