Operation Crayon (Thank you from overseas)

I have received two letters of thanks resulting "Operation Crayon" that I wish to share with FreePers. FriendAnn and JustAmy gave me some teddy bears that I sent overseas, and I have sent crayons and pencils on my own.

Letter #1

From: 506AEG/EHC

TO: (me)

Dear (me)

Thank you for your contribution to Operation Crayon. We received the materials you sent and sorted them for distribution to the schools and orphanages we serve in the Kirkuk, Iraq, area.

Every time we go out into the community, we are greeted by many, sometimes hundreds of students, and parents. They are always appreciative of whatever we can provide for them. There is incredible need in this area due to the living conditions that developed over the past several decades.

At a time when coalition forces can seem quite overwhelming, Operation Crayon helps people understand that we are heere to help them, sometimes person to person. Your contribution supports our efforts to make a positive impact in the lives, and the future, of the people of Iraq.

Again, thank you for your generous support. May God bless your loved ones and you always.

Sincerely,

Chaplain, captain, USAF Chaplain.

Letter #2

UNITED STATES ARMY
Headquarters, 116th Brigade Combat Team
FOB Warrior, Iraq
APO, AE 09368

IDCV-IO

March 14, 2005

Dear Donors,

We received your donations in support of "Operation Crayon" for the Iraqi school children inand around Kirkuk. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated by the children in this area. We have teamed up with the /air Force to help package and deliver these items where they are needed.

On behalf of the children, your generosity is appreciated. Thank you, for making a difference! Sincerely,

The Operation Crayon Team.

Standard School Packet: Color markers/map pencils 24-pack crayons pencils pens 12" rulers (a most needed item) Round-end scissors (a most needed item) Erasers Pencil sharpeners (a most needed item) Glue (6-oz bottle) or glue sticks 8-1/2" X 11" Paper of Writing Tablets Construction Paper Coloring Books

Other Useful Items: Soccer balls (deflated) Jump ropes Band-Aids (please don't send money or food)

I want to thank Jim Robinson, FriendAnn, JustAmy and my fellow Freepers for their involvvement in issues of kindness and mercy. Keep up the good work guys! If you wish to donate to Operation Crayon:

OPERATION CRAYON ATTN: Chaplain Worster HHC 116th BCT (Forward) APO AE 09368

Thank you for your very thoughtful and kind response. Here is the website and Link. The Website references Chaplain Etterbeek, but it was Chaplain Worster who wrote me the thank you note. They ask for no food or money. Good luck and God bless your Girl Scout Troop. There are some items that they need the most like 12" rulers, Round-End scissors, and Pencil Sharpeners.

FYI: Each package you put together must be mailed in plain containers - i.e. no advertising or company logos. Use clear shipping tape, no duct tape. The P.O. has containers like these, as does UPS pack and ship offices. Each container you ship must have a customs delcaration filled out with description of contents and value. But, obviously, it is worth the time and effort.

http://www.1id.army.mil/1ID/News/November/Article_06/Article_06.htm

link

Mail donations to:

Operation Crayon
Chaplain Jonathan Etterbeek
HHC 2nd BCT 25th ID
APO AE 09347-9998

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