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]

Much appreciated!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Did you get a chance to send a box?  

[Johanna]

Hi, did my super fun shopping and still smiling. Looked at the link for the labels but didn't find. Also, did I miss the address? Thank you!!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

You have to join MAS to get the address, but I won't post it for at least another week as shipping dates are October 20-24.  How to join is on the Molly's main page.  The labels link is also on the main page right above the section "Questions?"  Let me know if you can't find them or how to get to the address. 

So what did you buy?  I'm excited!

[Johanna]

Hey Ruth, I am a silly Navy mom, I'm actually already a member of that group, guess it's just a little crazy around here. I will be sure to check back to get the address. I head back to Greece 10/22, so just trying ro get all my ducks in a row beforehand...; )) Super fun shopping. I have two Squids and they love this stuff in their half way boxes...awesome Nerf guns w tons of extra ammo, mini slinkys, twizzlers, nerds, sprees, sour warhead strips, teriyaki beef jerky, a coffee box w Drakes coffee cakes, Carmel vanilla Keurig pots, carmel powdered coffee creamer, Assor Mios, awesome dog chews, and last, but not least, 4 small kissing balls, one for each branch, just whimsical. Oh, Machs for the guys and super fun day glo polishes for the girls. I always send a message from me and my Squids and a big HOOYAH!!! Does that sound ok?...; )) Hugs, Johanna

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

That sounds absolutely awesome!!!  They will love your gifts!!!  The Legion Auxiliary here has promised to give me $600 to go shopping when I'm ready.  I'm gathering ideas like yours!  Did you label the kissing balls?  We need to get one for the Coasties, too, but I can pick one up.  Fun idea.  Good work!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

The address is on the MAS page now.

[Pat L. in IL]

Johanna, To find where you print the labels 10 per sheet

On the Molly's page, go to the Discussion Forum and click on View All

Go to page 6

Click on "Are you new to Molly's Adopt A Sailor?" Scroll to the bottom of this page and it is there in either a DOC or PDF format.

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Our POC for this adoption was home on leave a short time ago and did a cancer walk with his sons and wife.  How can you not love a sailor in pink?!  NOW go GIT-MO stuff to show them love!

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Love it! 

[HuskerFan]

OMG - I have hundreds and hundreds of Christmas cards (no, I promise I am not a hoarder - just a huge bargain shopper - with 5 kids always have to be well prepared). I also have LOTS of girlie stuff as far as lotions and nail polishes, etc. I will see if I can get some friends together to help out too. Oh - and magazines - lots of magazines. I'll make a run to the nail salon for more too, so they will be plenty stocked there! 

[Mom from St Pete]

My work place packed up some boxes today. Some are going to workers children in the different branches of the Military. The extras will go to Molly's Adopt a Sailor. Printing your info for them to follow. Will address be up by Next Monday?