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]

Those are the BEST things to get!!!

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I sent a case (48 rolls) of soft toilet paper directly to them through smile.amazon but I forgot to add a note to it. I'll finish my shopping today when I go to the city and get you a final box count.

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Thanks so much!

[CruAn]

One box of snacks & Christmas cards from Florida leaving today.

[Leach73]

I will be sending one box today!

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

I shipped 3 boxes this morning!

[Pat L. in IL]

Post office van just left my house! 82 boxes shipped from the Davenport packing party!

[Kim (Ethan's Mom)]

Woo hoo! Way to go Pat & Davenport!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Thirteen moms/packing parties/locations and a total of approx. 113 boxes and at least two packets of cards and letters!  Bravo Zulu, Navy moms!!!

[PaMom]

Ruth,

we are having our family packing party tonight I did not see anywhere if you are sending pillow cases. I have about 2 dozen made and at least that many more cut that can go out tomorrow if needed. 

thanks

Jean Fields

PaMom

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

We sent pillowcases.  I think Pat L would appreciate it if you saved your pillowcases for the next adoption or the one after.  There's a big one coming up that will need them.  I had three women that made over 100 for this adoption.  Then another 70 showed up at the end of the party, so Pat took them for when she needs them. Let me know how many boxes you pack tonight!  The POC will appreciate knowing. 

[Pat L. in IL]

PaMom, Could you save them for our next adoption, please? Sometimes the adoptions' Command will not let them have pillowcases but the next 3 adoptions will be allowed to have them!