Post by Basketlady on Oct 30, 2010 20:05:34 GMT -5
Cat told me about a really great program for deployed military members. As many of you know, my husband is in the Air Force. So many deployed service members are young. Many have moms, dads, spouses, kids back in the states, but when you are so far from home, any sort of support is welcomed.
Here is the link for the main site: operationwritehome.org/
The program sends handmade A2 sized cards to the deployed military members overseas. In turn, the soldiers send the cards BACK to loved ones in the states for birthdays, anniversaries, missing you cards... You get the idea.
My daughter's Cadette Girl Scout troop is collecting cards as their fall service project. They are having a big Fall Fest in two weeks where younger girl scouts will have the opportunity to write letters to the troops. These will be included with the cards for the soldiers to keep. (The Any Service Member letters so popular during the holidays.)
Is anyone interested in making one (or more!) cards for the Service Members? Here is the basic information for making a card--there are several guidelines. For example, they ask you not to use any sort of glitter, as this can flake off and it makes it VERY easy to pick up a soldier with night vision goggles. That you make sure that all items of a card are well attached, that you only send A2 sized cards and that you don't hand write your sentiments (all explained in the link below.) They also stress quality over quantity. This should be your best work! That doesn't mean hours over one card, but don't just stamp an image on CS and call it done.
www.owhstarsandstamps.org/p/about-owh.html
Also, the cards won't be sent until December, which is too late for Holiday cards. But it will be perfect timing for Valentine's cards and I imagine those will be in demand--for wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, parents... Let me know when you are ready to send the cards and I will PM you the address.
You can send the cards (remember, A2 sized!) with or without envelopes. OWH buys the envelopes in bulk, so they get them at a great price. They recommend making a donation for the envelopes if you do not include them. I'm thinking the scout troop can make this donation, but I'm waiting for confirmation from the leader on this.
But don't send me money! That would get way too complicated. If you want to make a donation, go to the website and they have a Paypal link. I can vouch for the organization--they do what they say they are doing. But I don't want to handle any money.
The site explains envelopes, sentiments, cards made by children... There is a TON of information there. Read it over and I will try to answer any questions that you many have. The back of each card is stamped with "Operation Write Home" and I have this stamp in hand. The Girl Scouts will do this stamping.
I'm going to set a deadline of December 1. That way, you have lots of time to make a card or two. BE SURE to read all the advice on the website at that second link. They give some great advice and let you know the specific needs.
Thanks!
Michelle
Here is the link for the main site: operationwritehome.org/
The program sends handmade A2 sized cards to the deployed military members overseas. In turn, the soldiers send the cards BACK to loved ones in the states for birthdays, anniversaries, missing you cards... You get the idea.
My daughter's Cadette Girl Scout troop is collecting cards as their fall service project. They are having a big Fall Fest in two weeks where younger girl scouts will have the opportunity to write letters to the troops. These will be included with the cards for the soldiers to keep. (The Any Service Member letters so popular during the holidays.)
Is anyone interested in making one (or more!) cards for the Service Members? Here is the basic information for making a card--there are several guidelines. For example, they ask you not to use any sort of glitter, as this can flake off and it makes it VERY easy to pick up a soldier with night vision goggles. That you make sure that all items of a card are well attached, that you only send A2 sized cards and that you don't hand write your sentiments (all explained in the link below.) They also stress quality over quantity. This should be your best work! That doesn't mean hours over one card, but don't just stamp an image on CS and call it done.
www.owhstarsandstamps.org/p/about-owh.html
Also, the cards won't be sent until December, which is too late for Holiday cards. But it will be perfect timing for Valentine's cards and I imagine those will be in demand--for wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, parents... Let me know when you are ready to send the cards and I will PM you the address.
You can send the cards (remember, A2 sized!) with or without envelopes. OWH buys the envelopes in bulk, so they get them at a great price. They recommend making a donation for the envelopes if you do not include them. I'm thinking the scout troop can make this donation, but I'm waiting for confirmation from the leader on this.
But don't send me money! That would get way too complicated. If you want to make a donation, go to the website and they have a Paypal link. I can vouch for the organization--they do what they say they are doing. But I don't want to handle any money.
The site explains envelopes, sentiments, cards made by children... There is a TON of information there. Read it over and I will try to answer any questions that you many have. The back of each card is stamped with "Operation Write Home" and I have this stamp in hand. The Girl Scouts will do this stamping.
I'm going to set a deadline of December 1. That way, you have lots of time to make a card or two. BE SURE to read all the advice on the website at that second link. They give some great advice and let you know the specific needs.
Thanks!
Michelle
Gail
