2008.11.24
Offer to Send Care Package of Gifts (Response to Jo Ann)
I recently received a request from a kind lady named Jo Ann for a list of items to be sent to my team and I. Things like international calling cards, DVDs or CDs. Jo Ann had a budget of $600. Below is my response.
Jo Ann,
I have thought a good bit about the grant for $600 that you recently received. In the end, I really cannot request things like this. Receiving such items would not be unwelcomed.
However, if you are going to ask me what we'd most like for you to do with the money, we'd like you to donate it. Two charities come to mind quickly.
The Fisher House (http://www.fisherhouse.org/) provides plane tickets and housing to military families when a Soldier is injured so that the family can visit and stay with the Soldier at the hospital.
Also, the USO is a fantastic organization (http://www.uso.com/). USO provides shows and recreation centers at deployed military bases. There is a USO in most major airports for Soldiers to rest and relax in apart from the general public. USOs are a life saver, as reintegration into society is harder on some and they are an excellent environment to relax.
On the topic of phone cards: if you are going to buy them, one particularly useful company is known as Spawar. Spawar provides phone and internet centers at most deployed bases, but Soldiers have to purchase phone cards from them not AT&T or anything like that. http://oif.spawareurope.net/
I realize that this is not the response that you were looking for. My apologies. We do appreciate your support.
Rich
