Posted on 09/25/2004 5:41:24 PM PDT by McLynnan
Although I rarely post (no time!), I email frequently with our contact in Kirkuk and try to stay in touch with PatriciaRuth. "C" in Kirkuk and I have been discussing the upcoming holidays, and what a tough time of year it is for our troops who are so far from home. I told him while there was nothing I could do to bridge the miles between them and their families, maybe I could provide things that would help give the desert that nice Christmas-y feeling. He gave me a very modest list, but its more than I can handle on my own. HELP!!! After talking with Patty, she generously loaned me her ping list so I could see if anybody is interested in contributing. Since shes on overload with her other troop work, I offered to start this thread and try to get things organized.
Would any of you like to get involved? I know our Kirkuk troops would appreciate anything we can do. Heres what C has asked for:
We could use two trees with the ornaments and lights, wall decorations and more lights for around the rooms, stockings for 82 personnel and some gift wrap. Music CD's would be good, candy canes, Christmas cards and if possible a Santa suit.
I think that would be good. We are good on calling cards as I have stock-piled enough for all that need it.
Please include a list of contributors in an email to me so that I can honor them properly. Thanks for all your support!! I know that the men and women we have serving over here will greatly appreciate this generous on-taking.
The Christmas cards need to be sent soon so they have time to address and send them back home. Ditto for the gift wrap. Would any of you with sewing skills be willing to stitch up some stockings?
That's a wonderful idea, and I hope all the troops will have all the holiday trimmings.
I just sent you freepmail!!!
Also .. I'm not Jewish, but I'd be more then happy to help out there too
Shamefaced here. I see I never answered you. They could use boxed cards to send back home to their friends and family, but I also think your idea of sending cards to them is wonderful. If you'd like to do that, FReepmail me and I'll get you hooked up. Thanks so much, and I apologize for the delay.
Thanks so much, Mo. I'll FReepmail you in a bit with details. I emailed Kirkuk and learned this particular unit doesn't have any Jewish members, but was told that if anybody would like to send Hannukah items, they would see that they got to troops who would appreciate them.
Looks like we're all set on trees thanks to a few very generous FReepers, but still need a Santa suit, candy canes, and maybe a few stocking stuffers. You are a great group, and I can't thank you enough.
I found a Santa suit (XL, at the local Ben Franklins)! Thor will mail it to Kirkuk probably Wednesday.
Pinging a few who might lend some insight.
Thank you so very much. FReepmailing you with the details.
We, in the Hobbit Hole did stockings for a platoon in Baghdad last Christmas. I found inexpensive felt stockings at a discout store, and using gold glitter paint, painted the name of each soldier on a stocking. They were absolutely thrilled to get them! The advantage to the glitter paint is that it would go quicker than cross stitch. I did 25 stockings in less than an hour. Then various folks sent gifts to the woman handling it, she stuffed all the stockings and mailed them to her son in law who was the Captain of the platoon.
This year, we've hooked back up with a logistics group going to Afghanistan, so we'll be doing something similar for them this Christmas, I imagine.
I am in. Let me know any details. I have a 13yo daughter that just loves crafting. And to mention glue and glitter and such... oh boy.
I am in. Let me know any details. I have a 13yo daughter that just loves crafting. And to mention glue and glitter and such... oh boy.
Candy canes, I will take care of that. Any other ideas on stocking stuffers (I usually stuff my kids with stuff they need for school... or fancy chapstick for daughter).
Got 'em. (I'll see if I can dig up a few stocking stuffers and Christmas candy as well).
8 Jumbo Rolls Gift Wrap (23" X 40')
3 Regular Rolls Gift Wrap (23" X 8')
5 Sets of Gift Tags
Some Ribbon and Bows
Will try to pick up some more items (wall decorations, candy canes, stocking stuffers, etc.) and mail them directly.
All donations (money and goodies) should be sent to McLynnan for the Christmas in Kirkuk project.
Bless her heart for taking this one on. I hope it doesn't kill her. LOL!
Cheers!
Patty
C reports no Jewish soldiers in his unit.
please let me know what I can do as well.....
I sent a box to a soldier and it takes a LONG time to get there in Iraq so whatever we do, we should do it this week or next....
Always happy to help out those protecting our nation.
Sign me up. Do we have time to order VIA internet and have them ship it direct?
If so, how about some CDS with Christmas carols?
I also read that a favorite gift in the field is rechargeable batteries and the recharger.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.