Cards for Troops

As mentioned before, I am part of a group of stampers who make cards for troops stationed overseas to send back home to friends and family. Below are some of the 175 Christmas cards I made over the past five months, now en route to some distant location. Why do we do it? Why not do it? It's not like they can walk into a Hallmark store in the desert and pick out a birthday or holiday card. Though it may not seem like much to some, it truly is appreciated, with cards being snapped up as soon as a group receives them. I know these will bring many a smile -- and perhaps a few tears -- to a lot of grateful faces this holiday season.









Here's a letter Sue, our group coordinator, shared with us earlier this week (names have been removed for security):

I am a Soldier, stationed in Iraq. I have only been here three months with nine months to go. We don't have much of a PX (post exchange - think Walmart). They sell soap, shampoo, some food items and a few magazines. No cards. They do, though, have some homemade cards available to Soldiers. I picked one of yours up the other day and am sending it to my Mom. I just wanted to say thank you for taking your time to make the cards and then donate them to us. I really appreciate it and I think my Mom will appreciate it even more. Have a nice day - today is Veteran's Day, so a poignant one for us.


And here's one from the week before:

I got the box of cards and goodies. You are really too good to me and my guys but we are NOT complaining. The guys all grabbed a couple of Thanksgiving cards and said to say thanks. As one of my soldiers said, I don't think I have ever sent a Thanksgiving card before. I did not even know there were cards for this but I know my MOM will love getting one so I am going to surprise her with this card. I thought you and all the women that help you should know your cards are one of the most treasured items in our care packages. It seems my men know what are in the boxes from you as they all seem to just show up when I get a box. I guess the great art work on the out side is a give away but we all liked seeing all the hand turkeys your class decorated on my box. Thanks again for making these outstanding cards for my men . I don't think we can tell you how much they mean to us but we love having them to mail home.
Please pass along my best wishes for a great Thankgiving to all the women who make cards...



Isn't making others feel good -- feel appreciated -- what the approaching holidays are all about?