OCTOBER MISSION: Holiday Care Packages for US Troops

Run, don't walk, to your stash of books, CD's, and DVD's!  Grab a few (or a lot) that have been collecting dust, and then read on...

For our October Mission, I am honored to be partnering with MSOE (the Milwaukee School of Engineering) with their on-going program for collecting and sending care packages to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.  This past summer, I worked with them on a toy drive for the children of Iraq and Afghanistan, and longed to do more.  Mr. Richard Gagliano, MSOE's Director of Student Activities, said what they could use and what the troops would like is simple: paperback books, DVD's, and CD's.  I thought, there are so many of us who either have, or have access to, a plethora of books and media!  What a wonderful way to share a bit of what we have - with those who share all of what they have... so that we may have freedom. 

So, here is what we are looking for:
1.   Troop Names.  MSOE has a list of troops' names that will be receiving these care packages.  If you have any friends or families that you would like to include with this mailing, please let me know.  I will need the Troop's Name, Unit, and mailing address; e-mail address if you'd like as well.  Please also let me know if you would like them added to MSOE's list for ongoing care packages.

2.   Personal Letters & Notes.   Nothing makes my day like getting mail!  No, not the type that comes from a credit card company or the like - real mail, with a real, handwritten letter!  Imagine being thousands of miles away from your home and your family, in an area that doesn't always communicate "we love you".  Now, imagine how it would feel to get a personally written note, telling you that you are loved and important, how thankful others are for you, and how you are not forgotten.


3.  Any paperback books, CD's, and DVD's.  We all know that listening to the same music over, and over, and over again can get... well, boring.  Doing the same thing in an area where you can't just run out to grab a bite to eat or go to the mall or kick back and watch Monday night football, well that gets really boring!  So let's all grab some books! CDs!  DVDs!  Just have MP3's and no CD's?  No problem, make a mix CD!  Don't have books?  (shame on you, ha ha!)  Again, no problem, just grab a $5 and head to Half Price Books or your local library for some used books (and buy yourself one while you're there).  No DVD's?  Try craigslist.com or ask a friend or co-worker.  Hey, I even have some still in the wrapper.  Yes, dust on the wrapper counts as one that can find a better home!



We will take your help on any or all of the above!  All donations are accepted - nothing is too small or too big of a donation, ANYTHING will help.  With the Holiday Care Packages this season, MSOE expects to hit the 1,000 mark of care packages sent.  Let's help them meet that goal!

OK, just how do I do this you ask?  Where do I send my books to?  Do you have a drop-off location?  What do I write in my letter?  How do I buy a pre-made package?  Can I volunteer my time?  All the details will be posted in the next few days... but for now I must bid adieu, and get this nasty head cold to bed...!  Feel free to contact me in the meantime!  (and get those books, DVD's, and CD's collected in the meantime too!)

Watch a video about the MSOE program here!