Please Help Our Heroes Help Others

Pam of Iraq War Today is asking for our help. She writes:

Requests for assistance continue to come in to Soldiers' Angels SOS: KIDS program, and we really need your help to keep our efforts going strong.The program exists to help Heroes who are seeking supplies for local kids in their Areas of Operations; School supplies, clothing, toys, and candy are all among the items requested.

Right now, we are working with more than 20 Heroes trying to get much-needed supplies to the kids they work with every day. Among the requesters:

Afghanistan:
There is a dire need for over-the-counter medicines, for a unit running medical clinics, and supplies for a unit working with an orphanage requiring items for the more than 500 children they care for.
A school supported by U.S. and Korean troops, which lost its stores when a warehouse was destroyed in an enemy attack.
A Hero "asking for small toys, bags of hard candy or smartees and especially Pez candy dispensers to give to the Afghan children in the orphanages and schools."
A Hero who says, "I would love to be able to give candy out to the local children that we meet everyday.Also some pencils and paper would be greatly appreciated."
A Hero who says, "I have a significant amount of contact with Afghan locals and realize they they would tremendously appreciate some small things ranging from hard candy to pens to small inexpensive toys. "

Iraq:
A Hero who writes, "the clinics are always running out of medicine for children...Things like cough syrup and cold medicine (Sudafed, Robitussin, Benadryl, Dimetapp, etc.)
I've asked everyone who is contemplating sending me fun stuff to send over-the-counter kids' medicines instead. I go over to the clinic with everyone from my office once every month to donate what I have received and assist with the children...If you want to send toys and clothes (or other comfort things for children), I'll deliver those as well but our main goal is medical and hygiene items. The way to win this thing is to love the next generation of Iraqis and they will love us back!!"
A Marine Hero who says, "I work closely with the Iraqis so anything you could send for their children would be great (used clothes, shoes, or soccer balls). God bless and Semper Fidelis"
A Hero who writes, "I also wish that you could send something for the kids of Iraq...'cause these poor kids are in dying need of anything that anyone can send. They have nothing and barely the clothes on their backs..."
A Hero who says, "we will be doing alot of medical since thats my calling...we will be needing dolls and stuffed animals for the kids..."

FAQ's
What is needed?
Donations of items, and donations of funds to assist with purchasing materials and postage to get these much-needed supplies to where they need to go. Clothing, simple toys, shoes, soccer supplies, school supplies, and over-the-counter children's medications are among the most popular requests.

Where should I send items?
If you are closer to the East Coast, you can send to:
SOS: KIDS
P.O. Box 832
Torrington, CT 06790
(Please email us for an address to use with UPS or FedEx)

If you're closer to the West Coast, you can send to:
Soldiers' AngelsAttn:
SOS: KIDS
914 Tourmaline Drive
Newbury Park, CA 91320

How are donated funds used?
100% of donated funds will go directly to supporting the program, either with purchases of requested items, or postage and supplies to ship those items.

Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes; Since Soldiers' Angels is a 501(c)(3) organization, donations are tax-deductible.

How can I donate funds?
You can donate either through PayPal or by check; visit the SOS: KIDS page for details. We can also accept donations of vehicles - visit this page for information.

To send a check, please make the check out to "Soldiers' Angels," and write "SOS:KIDS" in the memo field. You can send checks to:
Soldiers Angels
1150 N. Loop 1604 W., Suite 108-493
San Antonio, TX 78248

Can I mail my items directly to a particular Hero?
Due to security concerns, we cannot release a Hero's APO without their direct consent. However, if you would like to make sure your items go to a particular Hero, you can email us and we'll do our best to make sure that your items go directly to that Hero.

When donated items are sent, if requested, we will include a note to the Hero that tells him where those items came from. We will also forward a card or note, if you would like to include one in the box. We cannot guarantee that you will hear back from any Hero; they are often extremely busy. We do know that everything sent is greatly appreciated.

An additional note:
SOS: KIDS is particularly near and dear to my heart, since I'm one of the Co-Leaders, and I first got involved through my adopted Hero's efforts through Wings of Hope (now rolled into the SOS: KIDS program).

To learn more about the program, and how you can help, visit the SOS: KIDS webpage or the SOS: KIDS blog, or email me.

Thank you for helping our Heroes help others.

Pam

Proud Soldiers' Angel Iraq War Today blogger
FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!!