Please.
Thank you.
I haven't updated you lately, but I just want you to know that Toys for Troops is still alive and kicking over here. We have a lot going on in the wings, are expanding our services, and you'll be hearing more about it in the days to come.
In the meantime, I want to share an email I got on July 3rd, from SSG Kim, serving in Kosovo. She wrote:
We have already been deployed for 4 months and spirits are getting low. I would like to request some beanies to hand out to my younger Soldiers to help them get through this. I also leave the wire every day and would love to hand some out in the poverty ridden villages. God Bless you and your organization for all you do for those of us so far from home and and the ones we love.The day before the holiday weekend! I couldn't wait until Monday! I left work early and sent 250 beanies on their way, with promises of more. And we continued to correspond. Her next email read:
I am very lucky as my job allows me to go out into the orphanages, displaced persons camps, and the villages of the war torn. It's quite heartbreaking to see. I met an older couple the other day that watched three of their sons butchered in front of them in 97. Through my translator I asked why they didn't leave. She kept telling me that she knew the Americans would come. She has 35 people, all family members and mostly children, living in three rooms.... I see these things every day. I can guarantee that I can find a home for as many [toys] as you can get to me.And, a few days later, she sent photos:
Friends, these are OUR American soldiers. Stuff is really happening out there. It's more than the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, and CNN and Time magazine. These are real soldiers, helping real people. I get letters from them. Their mothers, fathers, stepmothers, wives, sisters, brothers.
Thankfully, I get emails from you. Every. Single. Day. Every single day, someone from this United States e-mails me, and asks me for an address, or how to send beanies, or what can go in a care package. I wrote to Florida and Minnesota this morning, and I talked on the phone with an Army administrator this afternoon.
We are very, very busy. And there's stuff to do right now, and there will be stuff to do later. We'll be here, if you want to play in our sandbox.
In the meantime, show SSG Kim a little love, will you? I'll save you the cost of a stamp, and direct her to the comments here; she can forward them to her guys, who are our guys, too.
If ever a record should be broken this is it.
Who's on deck?
SSG Kim:
ReplyDeleteThank you and all those with whom you serve for your dedication to freedom and the welfare of those who live with so little. You are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the good work. You have much to be proud of. God Bless You All.
Wow Kim - I think the thing that touched me most was you asked for beanie's for the younger soldiers. Just a reminder those are our KIDS over there. And I'm glad they have you over there with them, and I'm sure their parents would be too! Our prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteStephanie
Hi Kim (and anyone you forward this to)...
ReplyDeleteI'm not American and as such, pretty much everything I hear about the American army is negative.
Of course we know that's mostly not the case. People are people, and most of them are good people.
You're doing a lot of good out there and I just want to say thanks. Keep it up, you're doing good.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo Kim and all those serving,
ReplyDeleteTHANK you, not only from us at home,but from those you reach out to over there daily.
You all are making a difference, even if it's with one person at a time.
Bless you and stay safe.
<3
Thanks Kim for all you do to help out in this crazy world. Now tell us what we can do to help. I want to do something.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say thanks for all the children, who will never forget the kindness of a stranger from a far off land. I’m almost 60 and I can still remember when someone unexpectedly did something kind and generous for me, and I hold those memories close to my heart, I’m sure you are making memories for children today that will live in their memories forever.
I'm so glad the Beanies have found their way to yet another place in the world where they'll help to make a difference. Hang in there, Kim and everyone else, and all the best to all of you.
ReplyDeleteDear SSG,
ReplyDeleteI am not an american, but strongly belive any cause for good.Those beautiful pictures of you smiling with the little kids..and thoughts of dedicated souls like you helping to spread some cheer in the tear ridden place ..are so fantastic!
God Bless you and all others who work to bring some joy out there..
(Psst: That includes you too, the GnightGirl Kim)
WOW - now THAT'S real, isn't it? What a fantastic post!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Thank you Kim, and the troops serving overseas. I have a son of "draftable" age, but due to height and weight, not eligible for the service. Or so the recruiter tells him. But when I stop to think "that could be my son over there", I understand more about what our service people want/need from us. Most of all, our support.
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that you and the troops have my support, good thoughts and prayers, and through cousins of mine who send weekly care packages, whatever I can send with what's left over from this week's pay.
With gratitude and respect,
~ Melissa and her crew
Dear Kim,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your hard work and the sacrificies that you make to bring positive things to a very difficult situation. It's people like you that will make the difference that is needed.
My thoughts are with you.
Cassie
I am a little late on this one but better late than never, ::wink::
ReplyDeleteKim, I would like to thank you for your dedication to serve, for your unselfishness and willingness to go out there every single day and placing everyone else in front of your needs and wishes. May God bless you abundantly!!
God's Speed.
***********
gnightgirl, thank you for these amazing posts!!