NEWPORT-The Newport-based Unit of the U.S. Army National Guard is seeking donations to ensure their troops get transportation fare to go home to their families at Christmas.

The troops are also hoping area residents will line the streets on Sunday, Dec. 6, and hold up encouraging signs to the troops as they are bused from Newport to Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Miss.

Finally, the Newport National Guard Unit is seeking donations for a going-away party to be held in this area for the troops in early December.

On Dec. 6, probably in the morning, the troops will be bused from the Armory on Armory Road, near Walmart, go north on Cosby Highway, and turn west onto Highway 25/70, at Walgreens.

Finally, the Family Readiness Group, a support group for the troops, is seeking donations to plan a family Christmas dinner for the soldiers and their loved ones before they leave Newport, and eventually head to Iraq.

Grace Elliott, the leader of Family Readiness Group, said 135 soldiers at the K Troop 3-278 THACR in Newport, also known simply as "the 278th," need $130 per soldier to provide for bus transportation from Camp Shelby in Mississippi to their hometowns around Christmas time.

The total amount for bus fares needed to send the 135 troops home is $17,550, according to Elliott.

She said, so far, "a few" local businesses in Newport have each donated $1,000, but much more is needed.

There is no deadline to receive the money, but she said with Christmas fast approaching, the bus fare is needed "as soon as possible" in order to make the proper arrangements to get the troops home.

Troops will leave Camp Shelby for their families shortly before Christmas.

Those people wishing to donate money for bus fares may call the local National Guard Armory at (423) 623-1266 or (423) 623-1267.

Those wishing to help with the going-away party for troops and their families can call Elliott at (423) 608-3802. Elliott said she hopes enough toys will be received to give to every child of the 135 troops.

Toys can be dropped off at the Armory, or in a collection box at Dollar Tree in Newport.