| Sunday, September 28, 2003 |
Reading is Fundamental...Sending Reading Materials, Patriotic
I have been meaning to blog about the Books for Soldiers program since I linked to it under my "G.I. Joe" section, but especially since I got actively involved...and so I want to thank my hubby for taking the initiative to talk about it in his post: Third Kind: Give A Little. In his post, he not only mentions the Books for Soldiers program, but he directs readers' attention another great program, Chief Wiggle's Toy & School Supply Drive. As you may have read elsewhere, many brave U.S. soldiers who would have been completing a 6-month tour of duty in the Middle East this month have learned their stay is being extended--some through the holidays and even next Spring. (Not to mention the 10,000 troops just called up.) Don't know about y'all, but I can't imagine being away from family, friends and home for that long, let alone being in a (post) war zone. In addition to being away from family and home, there is a lot of downtime for our troops. This means not only do they face loneliness but boredom. Since Operation Dear Abby (the "Dear Any Service Member" postal campaign) went to "digital messages only" due to security risks and safety fears, this Books for Soldiers program offers an alternative way for people in the U.S. to reach out to individual soldiers overseas. Don't let the name fool you, it isn't limited books. Commanders post requests for cards/letters to be sent to soldiers who aren't getting ANY mail from home. People also send snacks, personal items (foot powder, eye drops, insect repellant, etc.), magazines, music CDs and DVDs. The soldiers now have access to DVD-equipped laptops, so in off hours they have "movie nights." There are lists posted of what is prohibited and what ships best. New or "gently used" media are welcomed. Consider it a way to clear off space on your bookshelves without a garage sale. Please note that packages must be sent from a USPS office with a U.S. customs form and are routed through Military POs. Also, they must be addressed to specific individual personnel to ensure delivery and safety. The program respectfully requests that participants writing and/or sending care package avoid political commentary in their communications to the troops for obvious morale reasons. And, be sure to read about Chief Wiggles' Toy and School Supplies Drive to benefit the children of Iraq. They are looking for new or gently used toys--non-violent in nature, of course--and school supplies they can share with local children. Of course, you'll also want to be mindful of religious and cultural issues with certain toys. The Chief has updates and readers are posting recommendations and limitations as a guide of what to send. If you have a moment, you want to visit Sgt Hook's site and view his entry/photo essay "For What Its Worth" -- there are some especially wonderful pictures of the Iraqi children linked from the chorus. Additional information about the toy drive is available in subsequent postings by Chief Wiggles as well as at Dean's World, see the Toys for Iraq Update post. 09.29.03: Please note, Chief Wiggle's blog is currently experiencing technical difficulties. If you experience a problem reaching it. Please try back later. [ ] |
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