Dear Editor,
The Great Bend Military Moms are planning the next shipment of care packages for soldiers. If you know of someone who is currently serving in the Iraq or Afghanistan areas, please get their military address to me as soon as possible. We will add them to the list and send them boxes loaded with snacks, candy, drink mixes, beef jerky, nuts, books, CDs, DVDs, games, toys, batteries, personal care items along with lots of love and support from back home. We don’t care where they’re from – they all deserve to know they are loved and appreciated for the sacrifices they make while serving in the fight for freedom. Our mission is not only to send them some great stuff, but also to put a smile on their faces and remind them that we care.
We also send several boxes to chaplains of units, so they can distribute the care packages to those soldiers who don’t receive any mail. It is heartbreaking to learn about these men and women, so we do our best to send enough to be shared and enjoyed with them as well.
To all of you that have contributed over the last 9 1/2 years, thank you so much! None of this could take place without the wonderful support this community has given the project! I had to give up writing thank you notes a long time ago, but please know that the names of all contributors are added to the long list attached to a letter of appreciation included with each box. Financial donations have come from individuals, families, memorials, schools, clubs, scouts, service organizations, and some stores and businesses. Every dollar donated is used for purchasing the contents and for shipping charges.
Also, again, we are asking for donations of used CDs and DVDs that are in good condition. These items are more expensive, so if you have some good ones sitting around the house and wish to donate them, that leaves more money to spend on the rest of the packages. You can drop the CDs and DVDs in the “flag disposal box” in front of the American Legion at 1101 Kansas Street in Great Bend.
So please check with your friends and relatives and get those military addresses to me. They will be kept confidential. For more information, to send an address, or to make a donation, please contact me at the following phone number and address.
Until they are all home...
Leslie (Halbower) Barrett
620-792-2838
American Legion Gift Fund/Great Bend Military Moms
P.O. Box 432
Great Bend, Ks. 67530