My DD's 7th grade class does a big Christmas project where they write letters to troops who are away from their families during the holidays. They also bake and send cookies to them. This is a massive undertaking that involves 80-90 kids and many many parents.

They have asked parents to assist them with finding some legitimate names of soldiers who are going to be stationed away from their families this holiday season. They are also going to send them a little care package with essential items so they have something to open.

If you know of anyone that fits this criteria, please email me at dp 4 vol ley ball at g mail dot com (no spaces.) We need to have names and mailing addresses to the teachers by Nov 26.

If you email me, I will tell you the name of the school so you can check it out. I don't really want to post that since this is a public board.

Thanks, ladies. I appreciate the help.

By Cat on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 10:49 pm:

Check this out. There's an address at about the middle of the page for cards, and a website at the bottom of the page for info on care packages. It checks out with snopes, too.

By Tayjar on Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 06:17 am:

Cat - That's a great site but I don't think we can use it. Since it's part of a language arts grade, the kids have to write a letter to a real person. I will pass the address you gave along though. You just never know.

They've been doing this project for many years. I know at least 5 or 6, possibly more.

By Vicki on Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 07:41 am:

I wonder if your local chapter of VFW could help you? They might even have names of local men and women in your area.

By Tayjar on Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 07:10 pm:

I was able to get some from so coworkers who have kids stationed oversees.

Vicki - Our local VFWs aren't very helpful. They tend to be more interested in the parties they throw.

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 07:19 pm:

my dh is deployed right now and will be until Jan. I emailed you.

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 07:35 pm:

also, to save on postage the post office has flat rate boxes that are special priced for military addresses

By Cat on Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 09:29 pm:

Are you near a base you could contact?

I have two good friends whose hubby's are deployed right now. I've emailed them both. I'll let you know what they say.

By Cat on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 07:57 am:

Dora, CYE.

By Tayjar on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 10:09 am:

Thanks, everyone. It is such a neat project. It's a little unorganized this year since the main teacher who does everything is on an emergency mental health leave of absence. She had a breakdown in front of the kids a couple of weeks ago.

We do have a couple of guard units that were deployed a couple of weeks ago but every school, church, and scout group in the area are sending them items. We did get a few names from them but we would like to share the cheer, so to speak.

I will check my email tonight and get back to you, Cat. I can't access it from work.

By Insaneusmcwife on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 01:38 pm:

I emailed you again.

By Cat on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 01:46 pm:

I heard from my other friend. Her hubby's going to get to spend Christmas at home before he leaves.