Stuart Tomasa (update) 4/22/08 -- Nice work, Junkies!!!!

"We are especially grateful for the school supplies that you sent. We have collected enough schools supplies to assemble 100 “school packs” consisting of a folder, writing tablet, pencils and pens. The rest of the supplies will be given to the school for use by the teachers in the classroom. We are currently planning a mission to visit one of the local schools to have the local police distribute the school supplies and snacks. I will post pictures as soon as possible. We again thank you for your unselfish act of giving to the Afghan children enabling them the opportunity to learn and grow."

Jason Robinson posted today, and requested little goodie bags for kids.  What a cute idea!  He mentions little girl's hair accessories and candy, but I'm sure a creative mind could put some wonderful little treat bags together.  He says that his guys have already given away every pen and pencil they have... such good guys!!!!

 Hello Junkies,

I have some questions about sending clothes to Kevin Hepner, my Hearts & Minds contact.  He emailed me, but when I try to email him back, the email comes back to my email as being undeliverable so I am unable to contact him right now. 

Through my volunteer work I have access to kids shoes & clothing, some of it really nice and some of it not so nice.  By not so nice, I mean it looks worn, but was not stained or torn.  I sent a box of the nice stuff, but would it have been better just to send it all?

Should I send a small box once a month, due to storage issues?  Or send several boxes at once? 

Any advice or ideas would be helpful. 

Best, 

Hi, Sue --

This is just my two cents -- please read LCDR John Pethel's post of 4/10/08. (He's one of my contacts.)  He writes about their humanitarian aid visit to an orphanage -- and is very descriptive about peoples' need for shoes.  (Plus, it's very funny and well worth the read   I'm thinking Kevin's area is no different than where John is in terms of what people need -- so I say if they're *gently worn* go ahead and send them. 

Can't help you with the storage issue question -- I'm not sure which way I'd go with that one.  Hopefully your e-mail to him will get through soon -- I'll keep my fingers crossed!

--Marilyn

Daniel W. Dean posted today that he wants toys and games for local schools and orphanages. He didn't mention clothing or candy, though I imagine candy is always welcome.

Pam 

 Thanks for the info Marilyn, it helps.

Kevin Hepner's email still not working, but I am using common sense and only sending a box a month in case storage is an issue.

Best, 

CSM Charles S. Cook is asking only for school supplies and soccer balls for the Iraqi children  in his request today, May 10th.

Rosemary

Previously listed under Overlooked Contacts, SSG Louis Ollerenshaw is in need of toys and school supplies for the children in the area.  I know he doesn't mention it in his posts but he is a medic and they do a lot of Humanitarian Assistance work. He also says, "the kids are always asking for pens."  He has not mentioned how much support he is getting, but his address has still only been requested eight times.  I do not expect that he will be able to find time to maintain a blog like his predecessor had.

I have 20 or so pens left in mydwindling "school supply" stash, and I'll put them in a bubble mailer along with a few snacks and send them to SSG Ollerenshaw. I wish I had more to send, but I figure this is better than nothing, and I'll also include a letter and some artwork from one of the kids. Every little bit helps, is my motto!