Saturday, June 27, 2009

Please join me.............

CARDS FOR HEROES

I'm always needing to add to my card stash as I know most of you are also. I've decided that I would like to make make a difference in someone else's life also at the same time. I've been thinking for a long time how I could incorporate my cardmaking into a worthwhile cause.....I've found it! While browsing the Internet I came across a group that makes handmade greeting cards for our soldiers serving our country overseas. They desperately need stationary type items to write back home on. If you're in a desert remote area, you can't just run to the paper goods store! I was very touched by some of the letters and comments that the soldiers posted about how very grateful they are for the cards not only to them showing appreciation for what they do, but also the blank cards they receive that they can use to write back home on to their family and friends. They want to send birthday cards, thinking of you cards, love you cards, just like the rest of us, but they don't usually have access to those where they are stationed. But through this program, they are able to do that. So I have decided that I want to dedicate 1 Saturday a month to not only replenishing my stash, but making extra to send to our troop. By making 2 of each card (or more, I actually usually make 4 of each card I make) you can make some for yourself, and make some for our troops. So anyone who would like to join me at my house 1 Saturday a month to make a difference, I'd love to have you. You'll have access to all of my stamps, and cutting equipment, and inks. You bring your own supplies and embellishments. Bring a pot-luck dish for lunch (we'll plan that ahead of time) and whatever snacks you might want, and we can make a day of it. I will have to limit the number of people signing up to come just because of room issues. So each month I'll put up a sign up sheet for the next month and let you all know when I'm full. I'll take care of the postage to send the cards to the organization that sends the cards to the troops. You just come and enjoy making cards for those who will truly appreciate your effort. Please join me in this worthwhile cause. The first Saturday scheduled will be July 25th starting at 9:00 AM until ? So gather up some friends...and contact me at nanasmemoriesctmh@yahoo.com to get your name on July's list.
On a final note...here's a couple responses from those soldiers that have received the cards...

We used up all the Father's Day and School's Out cards that you and your lovely team made for us. Those were some pretty cards that received a lot of oohs and aahs from male and female Soldiers alike. It is so reassuring to know that we are here fighting and sacrificing for folks like you all. Thanks a million for all that you do. God Bless You!Warmest Regards,T.M.

From a Sailor in Iraq:
Thank you for the huge box of handmade cards. They were a huge hit as I passed them out to the Marines. Everyone took several to mail home to loved ones. The remaining cards will be distributed to the Marines and Sailors of my unit whom are serving throughout Al Anbar Province.As I travel to visit the Marines and Sailors, it is great to be able to share items from back home with them. Half of my unit's personnel are spread over several large bases. The other half are on small outposts along the Iraqi border. These smaller outposts have no access to the creature comforts of those on the bigger bases. Care package items carry great meaning to them all.Even though our batallion is thousands of miles from home; care packages and letters from home help with the distance. We appreciate your gift, your support, and your prayers!LT C.M., Chaplain


From a soldier in Iraq:
On behalf of the Xth Combat Support Hospital we want to say thank you for your letter and package we received on May 19, 2009. Soldiers love to sift through the cards and I see many of them walk away with 5 or more cards in their hands! It's such a blessing to them and they continually thank us for allowing them to take as they please. Most of them ask where they came from and I've given them your URL. I know this has a big impact on morale and they're always looking forward to new shipments! The Father's Day cards are amazing! They came in plenty of time for the Soldiers to pick them out and send them off. They constantly ask us when we're getting more! It's so exciting to see them when I tell them we got a fresh batch! Many of them have asked me to thank you on their behalf. Thank you so very much!Chaplain H and Specialist B make up the Unit Ministry Team (UMT). We provide support to all Soldiers and patients. The UMT plays an essential role in religious support and morale of the Soldiers. Soldiers often come to us seeking moral, ethical, and spiritual guidance. It is our goal to provide them the best care and support possible. We are able to encourage our Soldiers because we have support from amazing citizens like you of our Great Nation!Thank you for your kindness to our soldiers,SPC S.B.

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