{"id":214,"date":"2010-04-29T11:59:16","date_gmt":"2010-04-29T11:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/catchingfireflies.com\/blog\/?p=214"},"modified":"2010-04-29T11:59:16","modified_gmt":"2010-04-29T11:59:16","slug":"taking-care-of-our-troops","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.catchingfirefliesgifts.com\/blog\/2010\/04\/taking-care-of-our-troops\/","title":{"rendered":"taking care of our troops"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Troopsblog\"<\/a>
Since our goal is making days brighter and May is Military Appreciation Month, we thought it would be fantastic to surprise our hardworking troops with a few luxuries.  So we're using www.anysoldier.com<\/a> to find units in <\/span>Afghanistan & Iraq that are requesting specific items to make their time serving a little more bearable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

So here's how you can help…<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n\"Troops<\/a> <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

Bring in 3 or more of the following items – magazines (sports, hunting, health), used dvds (comedy, action\/adventure), candy that won't melt, gum, beef jerky, trail mix, baby wipes, powdered drink mix, protein bars, hygiene items (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, tooth brushes, tooth paste)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n\"Garden\"<\/a> <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

And as a thank you for joining our cause, we'll give you this garden in a bag<\/a> with any purchase…then as you grow these pretty pansies, you can remember the troops.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n\"Troops<\/a> <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

A fun way to get the kids involved as well is for them to color this sheet.  You can download it HERE<\/a> or request a copy at our Berkley or Rochester location<\/a>.  We also welcome handmade cards from kids & adults alike to include in the packages.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n\"Soldiers\"<\/a>
As the donations, cards & coloring sheets come in, we'll send the goods via priority mail to the troops in need.  We also plan on sharing our shipments & any thank you notes from the troops on this blog.<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

Here's a note from our first selected troop:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Hello everyone…<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nI'm
\nthe First Sergeant for the 401st Military Police Company, Gunfighters,
\nout of Fort Hood, Texas. Our motto— "ALWAYS FIRST!" My Soldiers have
\nrecently deployed to Afghanistan and will be here for quite some time.
\nMost of my soldiers are scattered throughout the theater and are unable
\nto receive mail. As the 1SG, their morale and welfare are my full
\nresponsibility. During my last deployment, I found this wonderful
\nwebsite and was amazed at all the support I received. Since I'm back
\nagain with more Soldiers, I thought it would be beneficial to join
\nagain. If you include your email and\/or mailing address, I will ensure
\nthat myself, or my platoons will thank each and everyone for their kind
\ndonations. Majority of my Soldiers live in tents <\/span>with cots or makeshift bunkbeds. Most have access to at least a little
\nmicrowave. Some of the items I believe they would want or would enjoy
\nmight be any microwaveable food, snacks, pillows, <\/span> twin sheets, music CDs, movie DVDs, games, white calf-high socks, white above the ankle socks, hygiene items such as body wash, Q-tips, shampoo,
\netc. As my Soldiers get adjusted to their living conditions they will
\nupdate me as to whatever specific needs they may need. I will also try
\nto upload a photo as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and
\nsupport.<\/font><\/span>
\nYours truly,<\/span><\/p>\n

    John N. Davis<\/span>
    Gunfighter 7 <\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

Like to see how you can help us make days brighter for those in need<\/strong><\/span>? Stay in the loop by s<\/strong><\/span>igning up<\/strong><\/span><\/a> to receive these inspiring updates in your email inbox!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n