| Some Ideas For Individuals, Schools, Churches, Businesses, Etc. And How YOU Can Help! |
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| We Need Your Help! We are so very proud that over the course of the past 5 years we have continued to grow larger and larger and have touched thousands of soldiers lives with our cards, packages and letters. Our database grows daily, but as the database grows so does the need for items for the care packages and especially for postage funds for shipping of the packages which can be VERY costly! This is where YOU can help! With this operation just being our family and our time being consumed in actually packing the shipping the boxes, running the headquarters, keeping the books, etc., we simply don't have the time to organize large fundraisers or gather donations like we did in the past. We would love anyone from East to West Coast to help us with this endeavor no matter how large or small, EVERY item and EVERY donation counts!!! Drives helds within churches, schools, businesses, civic organizations, etc. are a good way to collect items for the care packages. Also holding penny pitches, bake sales, selling of "yellow ribbon" items, or setting aside a special day to collect for the troops is a great way to raise money for postage funds. Don't forget about our "Stamps 4 Soldiers" project, which is yet another way for you to get involved! The ideas are endless on ways to help! Get Creative!!! Churches: We would love for your congregation to set out a collection box for items for boxes or Sunday School Classes to each adopt a different project to raise funds. Also, some churches have taken up a special collection just for postage funding whether it be a monetary collection or just asking the church to bring in postage stamps for us to use on packages during a special "Stamps 4 Soldiers" Sunday! Grade Schools: We would love for your school to conduct a drive to collect items for care packages (check with us to see what the "most" needed items at the time are). A suggestion for grade schools would be to conduct a contest to see which class collects the most items in a short amount of time allotted. An incentive such as a pizza party for the winning class or a prize for each member of the class. (If you are interested in a pizza party please check with us to see if we could get it donated). Other ideas for elementary schools would be for classes to make cards, draw pictures, write letters, etc. for us to include in our boxes. Perhaps pupils could make yellow ribbons to wear out of construction paper. Other ideas include holding a penny drive contest with the class with the most pennies receiving prizes. We've seen small schools collect several hundred dollars just in pennies!! Or postage stamps - Have your students collect "Stamps 4 Soldiers"! Our organization also has a wonderful coloring sheet with a bear that says “I beary much support the Military” and is holding a card to fill in with words or artwork. We would be glad to furnish one for you to copy for a coloring contest. Any of your own ideas would be greatly appreciated!! Junior High & High School: Perhaps your student council, key club, etc. could sponsor a week long drive for items for our care boxes! Or contact businesses in your area to donate items and hold an "auction" within the school. Selling of lapel pins before school or at lunch or locker yellow bows is also a good fundraiser. Organizations, Workplaces, Etc: We encourage all to display yellow ribbons at your home, churches or businesses whether they are from us or not. Also to continue wearing yellow ribbon pins daily. Drives to collect items for care boxes is popular among groups. Workers at hospitals, factories, nursing homes, etc. can encourage employees to participate. Of course monetary donations to our group are also very welcome to fill in on what is needed for boxes, filler, needed shipping supplies, expensive postage, envelopes, stamps, etc. All workers are volunteer. Think up your own ideas to perhaps make it a fun competition. Be sure and let us know what you are doing so we can anticipate your donation! Kathy - WannaBYoung@webtv.net Amy - mom2callie@onemain.com |
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