Babies “R” Us and Children Send Greetings

America Supports You ^ | Christopher J. Moore

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2005 - Babies “R” Us stores in Maryland are partnering with America Supports You in a new program that will provide deployed troops in Iraq with special greetings from children for the holidays.

The “Dear Soldier, Happy Holidays” program allows children to create their own personalized greeting cards and crafts to send to deployed soldiers during the holiday season. The in-store craft project booths provide children with the necessary supplies to create their cards free of charge.

“There is something American about receiving something homemade, and the children are so willing to help,” said Jennifer Zahniser, special promotions coordinator for Babies “R” Us.

The program was launched on Nov. 12, 2005, during a special holiday event hosted at the Maryland Babies “R” Us stores. More than 200 children showed up to create their own holiday cards.

“So many of our customers have relatives, family and neighbors who have been impacted by the deployment and the best thing to do is have the children reach out, “ Zahniser said.

Thanks to the U.S. Army, Family Support Organization, Babies “R” Us is able to send care packages directly to unit commanders who have been asked to distribute the greetings to service members during the holiday season.

The “Dear Soldier, Happy Holidays” booth program will continue through 2006, with packages being sent to the Army and Air Force. Program Officials are working on adding the Marines to the program.

[SandRat]

Ellen of Maryland proudly shows off a message she created in a Babies “R” Us store for deployed soldiers in Iraq. Photo Courtesy of Babies "R" Us

A sign in a Babies “R” Us store shows that they have teamed up with America Supports You. Photo Courtesy of Babies "R" Us

Children at a Maryland Babies “R” Us store create holiday greetings to send to the troops. With help from the Military Family Support Organization, Babies “R” Us is able to send the greetings directly to deployed troops. Photo Courtesy of Babies "R" Us

[SandRat]

And a small child shall lead them. Children Know.

[mozrock]

Very cool!!

[StarCMC]

THAT IS AWESOME!!

Wheels are turning here....I wonder if our Toys R Us would do the same thing.... hmmmmmm........

[SandRat]

RUTT-ROO! I smell something brewing along FREEPACTION coming. LOL

[Lady Jag]

[EsmeraldaA]

That is very very cool, thanks for the ping SR. ;)

[StarCMC]

Just wondering if I caould get something similar started here...they certainly got their share of my money this Christmas! LOL

[SandRat]

And you can cite a precedent.