April 2013: Another First

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

April's Adoption is another first for MAS and its no April Fools' Day Joke!

This month we are going to stay in the sandbox but "Shhh! Quiet, please.", we are going to visit our 2 hospitals.  However, this time we are going to send some special mom-love to the extra special staff teams that take care of our wounded heroes.

About the time, they receive their packages it will be Hospital Week for many USA hospitals - a time to recognize, celebrate & show appreciation for all the hard work hospital staff does.  I can't think of any staff that works harder than the personnel at SHUK and the CRCC / Wounded Warrior Unit.  The national theme for hospital week is "Making Miracles Happen."

Besides their wish list items, I thought we might consider ways to send them a party & show our appreciation for all they do. The staff breakdown is:

          SHUK has 25 males & 15 females

          CRCC/WWU has 50 males & 25 females

 

Here is the wish list for both groups:

• Canned or bagged tuna fish and chicken
• Summer sausage
• Beef jerky
• Dried fruits
• Canned vegetables
• Coffee & tee
• Non-dairy creamers
• Trail mix
• Crackers
• Uncle Ben's minute rices
• Flavored drink powders

Hygiene:

• Shaving cream (NO aerosols) and razors
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste and dental floss
• Body wash
• Q-tips

For Females:

• Pedicure/manicure items.  Nail polish (light pink or nudes) & polish remover.
• Lip balm (can be light pink or nude)
• "Girly scented lotions & body wash (no strong scents which may cause allergic reactions with patients!)
• Body wash scrunchies
• Shampoo and conditioners
• 2 women at SHUK would like Nice & Easy hair dye in Golden Blonde

Misc:

• Air fresheners
• Books & Games
• Magazines (fitness, weight lifting & running types)
• Plastic utensils

AND, THE MOST ASKED for items ~~ Mail.  Letters. Notes. Pictures drawn by children!

 

Their CO states, "These warriors are providing valuable medical services to our comrades wounded during combat operations.  Anything that would bring a sense of home will mean so much ... !!"

Pillowcases can be received.

Shipping will be 4/22 -29.

There are only 100 people, perhaps we can provide each with a box of their own.  And, food items for a party/celebration in a separate box to share with all.  Please don't forget the MAIL!!

This is the count so far & WHERE to send your box(es):

Whit's Mom - 6 boxes -- CRCC/WWU

Kim - 1 male, 1 female, 1 to share -- CRCC/WWU

Julie - 1 of books, 1 food items, 1 male hygiene -- CRCC/WWU

Heather - #s & what??

Sheryl - letters -- Please send 40 to SHUK and 75 to CRCC/WWU

Carol - IL Packing Party - 27 boxes

Lorraine - 1 box food & magazines -- SHUK

Pat L. - 2 boxes -- one box to each

MA Moms packing party -- 12 boxes -- 6 CRCC/WWU; 6 SHK

Corsmom - 2 boxes -- CRCC/WWU

MichianaMom - 2 boxes -- CRCC/WWU

Susan & WA Moms - packing party; individual bags -- Please divide between the two:                                           75 to CRCC/WWU and 40 to SHUK.  Thank you!

Marianne - 1 box (food items) -- CRCC/WWU

gcnavymom HN - 1 box to SHUK

LaurieS - 1 box

 

Let me know if this is correct & I'll give you which CSH.  If you bought with one CSH in mind just let me know who you planned on so that I can keep track.   Many thanks to all of you!  <3

[Denise (Dee)]

Hi
Donna - I still have stuff left over from our last packing party. Will go through and pull out anything I have that's on the wish list.  Dollar Store is great for the water flavor packets especially when there are 10 in a box.  I also found DVD's at Family Dollar for $3 each.  I also have some plastic utensils - been saving the ones I get when do take-out at the 99 Restaurant.

Will Massachusetts Moms be doing a packing party - do we have a date yet (Kelly59 from NH was asking and would like to participate).  If the hospital doesn't pan out, I'm willing to do at my house but 4/13-14 are not good for me - have 2 weddings and a bridal shower coming up so have to go shopping for what I'm wearing.......

 

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Ohh, shopping for party outfits - sounds like fun!!!

I finally was able to reach Joan at Harrington Hospital this afternoon.  We have to choose between April 20 or 27th; and, then I need to call her back next Friday with our choice.  I left messages in MA, CT & RI, so we'll see what we get for responses.  Maybe we should be considering a MA party since we have so many new MA Mommas??!  But, then again, some of these new Moms are from more central MA and it might work.  Guess we'll have to wait and see.

PS:  Is Kelly59 a friend of Sheryl's?  I got a message from someone in NH, but now I can't remember her name.  Tired brain - it has been a long week!, but wonderful to spend time with Samantha and oh yes, her parents too!!

[Denise (Dee)]

yes - Kelly is Sheryl's and a SWCC mom.  She did come to the last party at Harrington Hospital.

 

[HeatherT(09/003)]

I was just given two large bags (gallon sized) of mini shampoos, conditioners, body lotion etc from a family member that travels often. I wanted to be sure these would be ok to send. All of them are the travel size that you receive in your hotel rooms.

I also will send the noodle packets and toothpaste/toothbrushes. Is it ok to send all this in one box or do I need to send as individual stuff?

This is my first big project I am participating in. I have been mailing letter though.

SOOO Excited I can do something now.

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thank you very much, Heather!  I can promise you that even tho this is your first project it likely won't be the last!!  It gets into your blood & before you know it you are hooked on MAS (Molly's Adopt A Sailor).  Picking up an extra item here and there and stashing them away for when they are needed.

You can pack one box, but the food items need to be put in zip-lock Baggies to keep them separate from scented items.  Anything liquid, including the toothpaste since it is going with food, needs to be packed in 2 baggies just in case something springs a leak in shipping, the extra baggie is for good measure to protect anything else in the box.

I'm so pleased to hear you are doing letters -- Mail is this group's first request!  Thanks again for jumping in.

[HeatherT(09/003)]

oops where do I send these too??

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

I will be putting the mailing addresses in the special group we have -- MAS We Ship Love.  It is a private group, in other words, you have to send a request to join.  Once you get notified that you have been accepted (& you will be) then you will have access to addresses.  I haven't put them up yet, I'll do it next week since shipping doesn't begin until 4/22.

If you have any questions, you can contact me or Pat L. (she is the one who helps new moms thru the maze of what makes up MAS!!).

[HeatherT(09/003)]

THANKS! I look forward to getting the addresses. Amazingly this makes me feel closer to my son even though it doesn't go to him. Crazy I know right!?!?! Thanks for letting me join in.

 

[carols_kitchen]

It's not crazy.  I started with this group before our son went to bootcamp.  It's been a blessing since he is in submarines and doesn't get boxes.  I've been a Molly's Mom for over 5 years now.  Wow, where has the time gone?

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thank YOU, Heather!  You are always welcome to participate whenever you can and want to here in MAS  <3

And you aren't a bit crazy - cause then we'd all have to admit to it!!  I feel so much closer to my son and what he is doing by participating with the other Molly's Moms.  I started here when my son enlisted and being part of this group has gotten me through 2 deployments.  Don't know how people do it without the support.

Glad to have you with us.

[sheryl Navy 2]

Hi Donna,
I just spoke to Jess ,she and her AU Saxons softball team are having a Military Appretiation Day game on Sunday . Games are at 1 and 3 pm in hopefully their Alfred University NY field if not at the local high school HORNELL ? NY .

Jess as you know has 2 brothers in USN another player has a spec Ops brother in the USAF . So I had already asked them this morning about writing letters or notes , as a team bonding event . I'm mailing writing supplies this afternoon to her .:)
If anyone can make it along to the games Sunday 14 . They would love some extra supporters too .

[Proud Navy/NYPD Mom (Donna)]

Thank you Sheryl!  And BTW, did you know that HeatherT(09/003) (see above) is from SC??  Just thought I'd point that out to you  :)

Sheryl, this is Heather.  Heather this is Sheryl, a former MA Mom, who moved to your sunny state!  We miss her LOTS, but perhaps you 2 can connect ... ?