Support the Troops & more Mail Art (of course)yum!Y

Yum!

Some of you may know that I'm a volunteer with an on-line group called Books for Soldiers. It's time for me to do more boxes as I have lots of books, donated to me by friends and neighbors. Plus, my neighbors, laid a big surprise on me over the holidays - a check to help with my personal project. I went shopping today, after having to do something sad (related to the Cremation Society, no more to be said on  that) and buying things for troops made me happy. Here are some of the things that I'll be putting in the boxes, along with books.

More Yum

 Beef Jerkey is a biggie, I'm told, though I never hear from the recipients themselves. I try to find candy that won't melt (duh) and stuff like hand sanitizer and razors. Gotta be needed, right?

Happy birthday, Nephew!

Happy birthday Mercedes!

I decided that today's cards (#35 and #35a) will be birthday cards. I was happy to find these 1970s American cars (huge!) I think I might have a few more 1960's and 70s in my stash, so you'll see more of these car cards.  Having fun, making more Mail Art.

Books for Soldiers

For awhile, I've been an official volunteer with Books for Soldiers. It's been very satisfying to send out flat rate boxes filled with books, snacks, and other necessities, like pens, shampoo, soap, for our troops. Friends give me books or I buy them at my used book store or branch library (for very little money.) I do this out of frustration with a war that I couldn't prevent, to support those who are over there fighting, in hopes that somehow, I'm promoting peace in someone's heart. This feels more supportive than forwarding an e-mail. I never expect to hear from any one that I send a box to, I know they're busy, and pens and stationery might not be available, but today I got a letter of thanks. It brought tears to my eyes. It was so sweet and so appreciative. If you want to do something meaningful, no matter how you feel about this war we're in, join the volunteers at Books for Soldiers. I go to the section called Forgotten Soldier and choose my recipient from that list. I don't always send a package. Sometimes, I send postcards or a note. Please think about joining me as an Official Volunteer. For the cost of a stamp you can do something really good.