*OPERATION BOOK DROP: Books for troops*

[SFG75]

Just a quick update-I have the addy for Walter Reed, though now I guess they are requesting that stuff go through different organizations. I work with a national guard member whose unit is in Iraq. I'm getting their addy from him on friday. I hope to send out the first box then. Will add more when the time comes.

[SFG75]

Package #1 is off!

03052710000294241796

Package #2 is off!

03052710000294241802

The numbers should be good some time today. Package #1 is headed to the Grand Island Veterans Home and Package #2 is headed to the Walter Reed Society. Mehastings's third box will be heading overseas as soon as I get an address from one of two people that I work with who have relatives overseas in the national guard.

Thanks again mehastings, you rock!.

The fun part is to track these packages. The second one will take awhile as I'm in the middle of the country and D.C. is right on the east coast. The frist number shouldn't take more than two or three days to arrive.

With this being underway, I think we could do it more efficiently. I could PM people addresses and then we all could individually send them. That would be a bit quicker, if not cheaper on me. We'll have to make this a monthly or every two months deal. Anyone want to do that?

[SFG75]

I have an address from a unit serving in Iraq. PM me if you'd like to send a few books over. Doesn't have to be anything big or cost over $30.00. Just toss in a few paperbacks and a packet or two of kool-aid. Those kinds of drinks are very popular as the heat gets to be 110+.

Thanks to mehastings who provided the two boxes that were mailed. The third one will head to Iraq as soon as I can get to the post office in one piece.


Thanks again folks

[mehastings]

Originally Posted by SFG75

Just toss in a few paperbacks and a packet or two of kool-aid. Those kinds of drinks are very popular as the heat gets to be 110+.

Those little packages of tuna with the crackers in them are also popular. Other good items are:
pens
vasoline lip balm
tissues
bandaids
neosporin
drink mixes that can be added right to bottled water

[SFG75]

I have a contact address in Iraq. PM me and I'll send it to you. Troops appreciate books and other presonal items. Click here for a comprehensive list of appropriate items to send.

[TheMarine]

One thing that never makes it on to the list that I know the troops love is tobacco products. You can buy them in the PX over there, but the quality stinks. If the service member you send them to doesn't smoke/dip, he has a buddy that does.

[En Fuego]

This is a great idea, what is the address and I'll send some out!

[BookWiseJeff]

I salute you! I served for 15 years and had many deployments. I really appreciate all of those who continue to serve especially during such an unpopular offensive. We all salute them.

Send me your address I'll cull my shelves. And those of the local discount bookseller.

jeff.pedigo@gmail.com

[SFG75]

Thanks Book. I have to shake the trees again to find another address. The one that I had is now back in the states. Evidently, you can't just put a unit's name, it has to be addressed to an individual soldier. There are a ton of them where I serve, so it won't be too hard for me to find another. E-mails sent far and wide to folks I know, will update later.

[sparkchaser]

You have any updates on this?

[Mo']

Will you be doing this again? I would love to donate.

[icantread]

is it too late to send the books.

[Mo']

Oh, that's too bad.

[sparkchaser]

OK, I may have someone who is willing to receive the books and pass them out. I think the best way to do this is to have the books sent to me then I'll send them off to him.

If you are interested in participating, drop me a PM so I can give you my address.

I just need to hear back from him now...

[AsherNZ]

Hi,
This looks like a really good idea.
Just another idea that might help you get a lot of books in a short period of time - why don't you start up a charity for the medical center on BookMooch: exchange books and trade them, like a book swap or book barter In this way, people can donate points (all explained on the website) and you can use those points to get free books for the troops? The people in the medical centre could even use the website to get specific books that they would like - delivered direct from the person with the book available to the centre.