Looking for ways to support and honor U.S. military servicemembers and veterans who protect our security and freedom? You may have a Legion member who is currently serving overseas that you can send care packages to but, if you don’t have a specific name of someone to send to then please use the following information.
In years past, you could wrap up a care package and mail it to “Any Service Member” for the holidays, but with increased mail restrictions, the Pentagon is asking people to help through financial contributions, letter-writing and e-mail, purchasing authorized pre-made care packages, or volunteering time through non-profits.
Below are links to programs that offer aid to our military — everything from care packages to emergency services to military family support. Show your pride in our armed forces today, either by purchasing a gift or card for a servicemember, or donating to programs that support our military.
Cards, Letters, Gifts, and Care Packages
In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting “Any Service Member” or “Any Wounded Service Member” letters or packages. Mail to “Any Service Member” that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered. The following charitable organizations help send gifts, cards, and care packages to our troops:
The Billy Blanks Foundation - The Billy Blanks Foundation was founded by the creator of Tae Bo. One of the foundations many projects is sending care packages to U.S. Servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Adopt a Platoon - Support the troops through gifts and sponsored mail.
Any Soldier - Sponsor care packages to servicemembers in Iraq.
Army and Air Force Exchange Services - Purchase gift certificates for active and hospitalized servicemembers.
Blue Star Mothers - Organizes postcards to troops and care packages, and is currently petitioning Congress for reduced air fares for servicemembers.
Books for Soldiers - Donate books, movies, and more.
Cell Phones for Soldiers - Donate your old cell phones, which pay for calling cards for our troops.
Commissary Gift Certificates - Give the gift of groceries — buy or donate gift certificates.
DefendAmerica - Send a virtual thank-you card.
A Million Thanks - Collects emails and letters of appreciation for our armed forces.
Operation Air Conditioner - Help pay for air conditioners and heaters for the troops.
Operaton Dear Abbey - Send greetings and messages of support.
Operation Give - Donate toys to be given to the children of Iraq.
Operation Gratitude - Contribute to care packages sent to our servicemembers.
Operation Homefront Hugs - Contribute to care packages, or adopt a servicemember.
Operation Troop Aid - Provide care packages for our deployed U.S. Servicemembers.
Operation Uplink - Donate a calling card to help keep servicemembers in touch with their families.
Operation USO Care Package - Sponsor a care package for $25.
Treats for Troops - Purchase care packages for Soldiers.
Help with Mailing Packages
Instructions on Sending Mail to Servicemembers - Straight from the U.S. Postal Service, instructions and recommendations on sending individual mail to servicemembers.
Click here for some ideas of things to send in your care packages
It’s that time of year again when kids (and adults) get to dress up, eat candy and have a good time on Halloween. With all the excitement and last-minute rushing around, children and parents sometimes forget basic safety precautions that can help avoid a Halloween horror.
Here’s a quick list of easy tips to follow, recommended by the Center for Disease Control:
· Choose a costume that is well-fitting and doesn’t block vision in any way. Long dresses and masks can lead to trips and falls. Limit props with costumes to those that are short, soft, and flexible. Even a plastic sword can cause an injury when fallen on.
· Trick-or-treat in groups where parents can supervise younger children. Stick to the community’s hours and go to well lit residential areas. It is preferable that you stay in your neighborhood where you know most of the people.
· Bring a flashlight or make sure all kids’ costumes have a reflector on them so they can be seen. Discount stores sell flashing lights and glow sticks that are perfect for this, and may even enhance their costume.
· It is important for the children to follow normal safety and traffic rules such as looking both ways when they cross the street, using crosswalks and sidewalks, and remind your children not to go into anyone’s house they don’t know.
· Watch out for open flames in pumpkins, candles and luminaries. Long costumes and sleeves can catch fire quickly. Invest in some LED candles this year, or if you choose flame candles, keep them out of the way of traffic.
· Remind the children to inspect all candy and don’t let your children eat anything that’s unwrapped, or looks like it has been tampered with. Make sure you know the person well before eating anything homemade.
· Minimize stress for your pets. Don’t feed them candy and make sure that they can’t get to wrappers they may choke on. Be wary that while they look cute in a costume, they may be agitated by the costume and extra excitement and not behave as normal.
· While pranks may seem a fun part of Halloween, remind your kids that any kind of vandalism such as throwing eggs, spray painting, etc., is not acceptable and can be dangerous.
Have a safe and spooktacular Halloween and remind the children to say “thank you” for each treat—or they may be the ones to get a trick!
Today we continue to have young men and woman fighting the War on Terrorism. Some of these veterans will fall in to a life of homelessness. There are still veterans from previous wars that are becoming homeless, while some continue to remain homeless.
Would you like to help a veteran have a second chance on life?
The Pennsylvania American Legion started a non-profit organization to help address the homeless veterans problem through transitional housing, helping to secure a better job and going back to school. Our program is designed to enhance the quality of life for the veteran and their children. It is designed to help them become productive tax paying citizens again by securing a good, decent job. Over the past 21 years, we have had over 655 veterans go through our program with an 85% success rate. Our homes are located in Moon Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Ephrata, Pennsylvania. We have a full-time director to help in achieving our vision of giving every homeless veteran a second chance at the American dream.
In order for The American Legion to finance this program, we are asking for your support. We will be sponsoring a dinner on January 15, 2011 at the Holiday Inn Pittsburgh Airport, Moon Township. There will be a cash bar beginning at 5:30 PM with dinner following at 7:00 PM. Dinner tickets are $25.00 per person and include a program book. Ads can be placed in the program book at the following prices:
Full Page $70 (of which $50 can be used for a tax write off)
½ Page $50 (of which $30 can be used for a tax write off)
¼ Page $40 (of which $21 can be used for a tax write off)
Please make checks for dinner tickets and ads payable to: PA American Legion Housing for Homeless. Mail to: Ron Conley, 709 Hope Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15220.
The remodeling and upkeep of these homes is the responsibility of The American Legion Housing for Homeless Veterans, Inc. We need your support!
Thank you in advance for your consideration and support
Click here for the donation letter
Click here for the dinner reservation
Newly Elected State Commander Wasco is working for the Legionnaires of Pennsylvania from the start! Four hours after he was elected Pennsylvania American Legion Department Commander Pete Wasco met with State Representative from the 88th District, Sheryl M. Delozier. Commander Wasco emphasized needing continued support for Act 66, The Service Officer Funding initiative and also HB-169 small games of chance legislation.