October 2014 Adoption--GITMO!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

I’m so excited to share our October adoption! 

Forever on Thanksgiving Day, the heart will find the pathway home. 

This month we’re adopting 100+ sailors that are assigned to GITMO in Cuba for 18 months.  They’ve been there six months and won’t come home yet for a year.  Let’s send them something from home to remind them we love them!

Here’s the note from our POC:

“I am Chief R, from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, better known as GTMO. All branches are here on both sides of the base doing not only detainee operations but also the regular functions that keep a military installation operational. Living conditions overall aren't horrible, but they aren't home either. There are personnel living in tents and barracks. There are small stores to get food, but selection is limited. Most requests are for Hostess and Little Debbie treats not available here. Homemade treats are always a big hit as well. Mio water flavor drops (or anything to make water something else) are also popular. Most have access to a fridge and microwave.

The largest necessity here for everyone is sunscreen and bug spray....it's always sunny and the bugs are always biting. Everyone loves receiving something from home (the States in general) and not everyone does. I think anything that shows these young men and women that there are people back home thinking about them would do wonders for their morale. There are reserve/guard/active units and members from all over the States here and every branch. I think your organization could help give everyone a taste of home and I know it would be greatly appreciated. ….The numbers I sent was a low side estimate. I will be your contact person and distribute packages to the other Chiefs on base for them to give to their
troops. Thank you.”

Some Iowa and Illinois moms and friends have been working already.  We have gotten a donation of 1000 bottles of Bug Soother repellent and enough pillow cases for this adoption.  So here’s what we do need that he mentioned in this message:

Sunscreen

Little Debbie; Hostess; homemade goodies from trusted sources

MIO

Since then, we’ve added to the list:

Any thing with a Thanksgiving, fall, or football theme

ground coffee
keurig coffee pods
powdered creamer
beef jerky
red licorice, Mike & Ikes, etc.

Cashews

magazines that are fairly current (try for within several months, maybe up to three, but no older)--sports, hunting, motorcycle, cars, fishing, celebrity
Comic books

DVD’s
Soft toilet paper
Christmas cards to send to family and friends
Mach 3 razors
For the gals we send separately marked boxes with girly things including feminine products; nail polish (they can paint their toes any color!); lotions, etc.

Silly stuff--dollar store games. Nerf footballs
Christmas decorations

Dog treats made in the USA for the K9 units

 

A gentle reminder--

  1. No Aerosols

  2. Nothing carbonated

  3. Nothing used

  4. ANYTHING that could possibly leak needs to be in a baggie.

  5. Pack boxes full (Reason #1 – if items can’t move during shipping, reduces chances of damage.

       Reason #2 – most efficient use of postage money.)

  6. Keep food items and toiletries separated.

  7. This time of the year, no chocolate or chapstick (both melt).

 

As you can see, the list is long, but varied.  Whatever is sent will be appreciated.  The Chief has told me that his goal is to have the entire base know about Molly’s Adopt a Sailor and Molly’s Moms.  With that in mind, be sure to label your boxes, but if possible, would you print some stickers with Molly’s website address (www.mollysadoptasailor.com) to affix to items inside the box?  Also be sure to write a letter to include in the box telling about who you are.  As always, cards and letters are most important to bring a touch of home to those who serve.  I think I’ve convinced the Chief to have the boxes opened at one location so that the troops can “shop” out of them. 

 Now, go GIT-MO donatations!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Not sure if this is a first, but our POC for the October adoption, November delivery wants names and addresses from everyone that sent a box.  Even an email address would be ok, I think.  Send me an email at [e-mail] please.  Include your name, number of boxes, and location even if you only send an email addy.  Thanks!  Unpacking party is Monday with pictures to follow! 

[carols_kitchen]

I just saw this post.  I had a box and will send you a message.

[Pat L. in IL]

TISSUE ALERT! Two thank you's came to the website today. Here they are:

#1 - I just received a care package from our local community center and on it was a tag. "Donated by Molly's Adopt A Sailor." I was so touched by your support I punched in the website while eating some of the snack foods and thinking about home. It is amazing how the food of home brings you to home. I have been stationed away from home for about 6 years. I thought I wanted to get away from home, and it is amazing how much you miss something when it is not there. I was home for a while thanks to your care package. Thank you So much for your support, you have made my holidays special in a place far away from family and loved ones. Thank you again Godspeed in touching many more lives as you have touched mine. Thank you again. God Bless You. May you all have an amazing holiday season, and a wonderful new year.

Very Respectfully, HM3 James XXXXX

#2 - I am currently a sailor stationed overseas in Cuba. We just had a shipment of care packages come in for us this week. I usually don't care for the toiletries but it's the handmade cards and treats that really make this special. I grabbed as many cards as I could because knowing that these were made personally by hand for us puts that extra smile to my face. It's as if our little brother and sister wrote to us and it's beyond touching and uplifting. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Those are wonderful! Thank you for sharing! It makes me want to do more for our heroes knowing what a difference it makes!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Just a few of the pictures from GITMO.  

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I received an email today with a bunch of pictures attached! What a treat it was to look at all the smiling faces and know that what we do makes such an impact on our heroes! 

[Johanna]

Comment by Johanna 4 hours ago
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Wow, what great pics from GTMO!! The smiles are worth a million bucks. Such a great feeling and so happy that they are happy....; ))

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Seven more boxes arrived yesterday!  Who arranged for a shipment from a pharmaceutical company?  What did they send?

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

GTMO Gazette  Read all about it!