Not sure if I'm posting in the right place or not but here's where it's goin'.  Ok, I put a request up on my local freecycle sites requesting books and current magazines that anyone was willing to part with. I ended up in contact with a lady who works at a retirement community. She said she'd post a notice for their residents and staff and get whatever other help she could.

 Now it dawned on me that a lot of retirement community residents have GOT to be hurting financialy (I've spelled that word 3 times and it still doesn't look right. I just can't remember how to spell it.  ) these days and could not help with things but I'm sure would want to contribute somehow. I mean come on who would NOT want to help our troops?

 So, I thought what I could do is pack up my stamping stuff that I use to make cards and such and my kids, and go spend a Saturday afternoon at the community center with the retirees. They can make cards, my kids can learn compassion and wisdom from these people, I get a whole bunch of cards to send and in the end we're all happy.

The lady I got the books from thought it was  a fabulous idea and is checking schedules to let me know when we can do this.

Just though maybe someone else has a tote full of rubber stamps and stamp pads that can be put to good use.

Red -- I can say without question this is a GREAT idea.  I suggested this to a local assisted living facility in my Borough, and so far have received two sets of handmade cards from them, with another set coming for Christmas

The activities director said the residents were thrilled to be asked.  Many of them are Vets themselves, and shared stories of their experiences as they worked on their cards.  And, many of the residents had had strokes and had difficulty writing, etc. but were DETERMINED to participate -- and they did!

This was a truly moving experience -- on so many levels.  And my contacts have been deeply appreciative of these cards

Soooooo -- you GO, girl!!!  Especially involving your children -- this is a GREAT thing to do --

--Marilyn

 Great Thinking RED!   So many benefits for all involved!!  The senior citizens, the kids, and of course you and ultimately the Soldiers!  Do you have a date set for this?  Keep us posted!

 Cheers!!!

Great idea-helping 2 groups at once.  For free books in excellent condition see your local bookstore;the independent book store in my town gives me the advanced reader copies of soon to be released groups.  Not sure if B&N can do this as they are centralized.  See my post "Free Books"