Pahrump Valley Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Troop 526 from Palmdale, Calif., have joined together to support American troops overseas.

This Saturday they are holding a fundraiser at the Bob Ruud Community Center, located at Basin Avenue and Highway 160, to obtain enough money to send much needed incidentals to those stationed in both Iraq and Afganistan.

There will also be a raffle held by Debbie Cullen (mother of Army Staff Sgt. Tracy Baker) to raise money for her son's unit.

The fundraiser will include a white elephant sale, car wash, and sale of hot dogs and chips, soda and water. Many items will be offered, such as clothes, knick-knacks and doggy doors.

The winner of Cullen's raffle will receive a pocket rocket motorcycle donated by her 14-year old son, Shane.

Cullen has been in contact with numerous merchants throughout Pahrump and said, "They have just been so wonderful. I have received many other raffle prizes like gift certificates and more." Baker's unit, 2nd Battalion, 325th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, has been sent to Iraq for the third time. Baker has been wounded twice, but wants to return in order to help the new troops.

Several businesses have offered to match the amount of funds raised, and local media, such as KPVM Channel 41, KNYE Radio 95.1, and the PVT will ensure complete coverage of the event as well as contributing to the effort.

Cullen said, "I've never had a community join together and want to participate in a fundraiser the way Pahrump has. Pahrump is definitely a very patriotic town. The sacrifices our troops are making overseas for our freedom as American citizens is too often taken for granted. This is not the case in Pahrump."

In addition, she advised that she is "working with an unidentified casino (will be identified later) to donate cases of necessities such as shampoos, rinses, after shave, and ladies personal items."

Of course, cash donations will be accepted as well at the event.

Baker's outfit has been contacted and asked to send a wish list to ensure that "the purchases made on their behalf will be what they can use, not what we think they want," said Cullen.

There will also be a booth set up at Wal-Mart, which will also sell hot dogs, chips, soda and water.

"I thank each and every one of the Pahrump Girl Scouts as well as all the merchants of Pahrump who have assisted us in this big event," Cullen said. "A heartfelt thank you is sent to each and every person in Pahrump."

The event will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 23. If you wish to make a donation for the white elephant sale or to purchase raffle tickets (one dollar each), contact Cullen at 775-537-1940 or by cell phone at 661-212-3347.