My good friend, Rae, just called and suggested having a Fourth of July cookout that supports our troops in Iraq. "How?" I asked, feeling somewhat guilty that we can drink margaritas and play lawn games with our families on Independence Day, while our troops in Iraq are risking life and limb. Always upbeat, Rae chirped, "By having everyone bring a gift that we'll collect and send to the troops. You know useful things like CDs, books, underwear?"
Underwear? Well, they were called "unmentionables" for a reason; we seem to forget to mention that we need them. It makes sense, especially since undies are made to be fun now ? just look at Joe Cool Boxers or the Victoria's Secret catalogue. "Okay, we're in", I responded.
Well, unless you have a close family member in a war zone like my friend, Rae, sending gifts can be a problem due to security concerns and anthrax scares.
So, the best way for the rest of us to let the troops know we care about them, is to send a donation of $25.00 to sponsor a care package through the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO.) USO care packages will include pre-paid phone cards, sunscreen, toiletries, disposable camera and a message from the donor thanking them for their service and sacrifice.
It still makes for an easy party idea: Each family brings a $25.00 check made out to USO and fills out a USO form stating their personal message to the troops. The collective package of checks and forms is then sent to:
Operation USO Care Package
Post Office Box 8069
Topeka, KS 66608
Questions? Call: 571-262-1485 or email questions@USOCarePackage.org. To discuss fund raising opportunities, please contact Lisa Frederick at lisa.frederick@fmmc.army.mil.
Susan Fitter, M.A., AICI cares about manners because people with manners care. Catch her at: www.MannersHelp.com.
Susan Fitter, M.A., AICI, is the force behind Fitter Image, Etiquette & Protocol, the firm she founded in 2003 as a veteran image consultant. Susan received her training in Etiquette and Protocol from the internationally acclaimed Protocol School of Washington. Clients have ranged from lawyers to veterinarians, local and regional newspaper readers to preschoolers, and from children and teens to political appointees. She is a certified member of The Association of Image Consultants International and The Protocol and Diplomacy International/Officer's Association.
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
article_text... Read More
If your product or service can be given as a gift, a publicitywindfall awaits at the end of the year - but you need to startworking in June... Read More
For most people, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer, back to school, and another long weekend... Read More
You're tired... Read More
Holidays and the start of a new year inevitably make us think about how we can improve ourselves, and have the life we want in the future... Read More
Picture this scenario! It's December 24th, the day of Christmas Eve... Read More
As the countdown to Christmas day continues, most everyone is naturally all wrapped up in preparing for the big day (and the eve of the big day and the day after the big day?)... Read More
No matter how many lists you make, cards you send, gifts you buy, or packages you wrap, there will be things you intended to do this holiday season that won't get done... Read More