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]

Just heard from the POC of this adoption.  He's arranging for the post office to be prepared, a large place for the "unpacking party," and a public affairs officer to take pictures.  

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Ruth, I have a few of the cooling towels that they wet and wrap around their necks or heads. Is that something that they could use considering it is very hot there? I'll include them if they can be used otherwise I will save them for another adoption.

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

He says it's always hot, but it's up to you whether you want to save them. 

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I'll send them. They aren't doing anyone any good in my stash closet!

[Johanna]

Great news Ruth!!!

[Lorraine]

I haven't helped in awhile but I will be sending one box for this adoption. I'm including a big canister of creamer, large canister of lemonade mix, 3 pkgs of jerky, DVD movies, etc. Can't wait to hear from Chief R after the boxes arrive!

[Angela (Kristen's Mom)]

Mailed my box of Thanksgiving and Christmas cards today : )

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Wonderful!  I'm trying to get a count of boxes so our Chief knows what to expect.  

[Sarabi2013]

Tomorrow two boxes will be sent from my house! One box includes dog treats only. The other box includes beef jerky, licorice, a magazine, Christmas cards, candy, and homemade cookies.

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

They will love your boxes! 

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Sara, we have an Iowa facebook page if you want to join it. Maybe you're on it and I don't know it.  It's a secret group so you'll have to send a message to me on facebook to friend me.  Ruth Clayton-Davis 

[MomByHeart]

I have several letters from children of various ages that I will be sending. They will be in a mailing envelope as there are not enough for a box. It's been a while since I have been able to donate, so I am excited for this opportunity.