NATCHEZ &045; Families with loved ones fighting in Iraq with the 155th Infantry don’t have a date yet for their return, but they plan to be ready when they come home.

The Natchez unit’s Family Readiness Group is soliciting donations for a community celebration when the National Guard soldiers return, which will likely be in early 2006.

&uot;Anything we do from here on out will be for giving the guys a really good homecoming,&uot; said Glenda Grayson, whose husband is serving in Iraq.

Anyone interested in contributing monetary donations can make deposits at the St. Catherine’s branch of Britton & Koontz Bank, where there is an account set up for the Family Readiness Group. And Grayson said donations can be mailed to Family Readiness Group, P.O. Box 1555, Washington, MS 39190.

But the group is also looking for other donations for the celebration, Grayson said, of &uot;anything they can do to help support us. We’re hoping this homecoming is really nice.&uot;

Grayson considers herself more blessed than others, because she has been able to talk to her husband every few days. Some family members only talk to loved ones once a week or even more infrequently.

But all feel the same way about the 155th, she said.

&uot;They’ve been so awesome while they’re over there,&uot; Grayson said, noting the accomplishments of the unit, such as finding a large weapons cache.

And both family members and soldiers are proud that no one from the Natchez unit has been killed or injured.

&uot;It’s almost over with,&uot; Grayson said. &uot;The guys are also excited about this (homecoming).&uot;

Planning the homecoming also helps family members stay busy as they await the soldiers’ return, Grayson said.

&uot;It’s something in our hands, something we can physically do,&uot; she said.

In addition to collecting donations for the homecoming, the Family Readiness Group is also still collecting items to send in care packages to the soldiers.

Anything such as sunblock, baby wipes, personal hygiene items, books or magazines is appreciated, Grayson said. People can drop off those donations at the National Guard Armory on Liberty Road or leave a message there for Family Readiness Group members to pick up the items.