thedrifter
06-13-07, 06:17 AM
Republican Women of Redlands help American troops
CATHERINE GARCIA, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 06/12/2007 01:10:07 PM PDT
REDLANDS - Over the past year, several U.S. Marine companies stationed in the Middle East have benefited from the more than 300 pounds of toiletries sent from the Republican Women of Redlands Club.
According to third vice president Janice Eickman of Redlands, both travel-sized and regular toiletries have been collected at every meeting since March of 2006. The toiletries include deodorant, shampoo and facial tissues and are sent to soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas in the Middle East.
"It's totally voluntary," she said. "One member, Suzanne Barr, is really good at using coupons and stocking up on items."
The club pays for the shipping of the items, but are helped with additional packaging costs by a local business.
"We have had wonderful support from the shipping person at the Postal Annex," Eickman said. "He's been packaging everything for free. He's been grand."
In recognition of their efforts, the women have received thank you notes from some of the troops who have received their care packages.
"We contribute our success to your support and thoughtfulness to enlighten our spirits through the care packages you sent," wrote 1st Sgt. Ryan F. Blue with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines India Company. "Whether it was one package or many, every one of them made helped a Marine, a sailor, a soldier, an American civilian here or an Iraqi child."
Capt. R.G. Colon also wrote to Eickman, saying "You are an example of a true citizen to our nation through your kindness. You have assisted in uplifting the morale of my Marines and on behalf of my company, I thank you beyond words."
Receiving letters from specific soldiers means a lot to the women.
"Because the letters are sent from someone who's out there on the ground, they seem very special," Eickman said.
Although the club will continue to send care packages to the troops, they also rally around organizations in the community.
"We are also supporting Family Services and the literacy program for Redlands Day Nursery," s Eickman said. "We're collecting pull tabs and pennies for the Ronald McDonald House. We have several facets of service."
E-mail Staff Writer Catherine Garcia at cgarcia@redlandsdailyfacts.com
Ellie
CATHERINE GARCIA, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 06/12/2007 01:10:07 PM PDT
REDLANDS - Over the past year, several U.S. Marine companies stationed in the Middle East have benefited from the more than 300 pounds of toiletries sent from the Republican Women of Redlands Club.
According to third vice president Janice Eickman of Redlands, both travel-sized and regular toiletries have been collected at every meeting since March of 2006. The toiletries include deodorant, shampoo and facial tissues and are sent to soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas in the Middle East.
"It's totally voluntary," she said. "One member, Suzanne Barr, is really good at using coupons and stocking up on items."
The club pays for the shipping of the items, but are helped with additional packaging costs by a local business.
"We have had wonderful support from the shipping person at the Postal Annex," Eickman said. "He's been packaging everything for free. He's been grand."
In recognition of their efforts, the women have received thank you notes from some of the troops who have received their care packages.
"We contribute our success to your support and thoughtfulness to enlighten our spirits through the care packages you sent," wrote 1st Sgt. Ryan F. Blue with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines India Company. "Whether it was one package or many, every one of them made helped a Marine, a sailor, a soldier, an American civilian here or an Iraqi child."
Capt. R.G. Colon also wrote to Eickman, saying "You are an example of a true citizen to our nation through your kindness. You have assisted in uplifting the morale of my Marines and on behalf of my company, I thank you beyond words."
Receiving letters from specific soldiers means a lot to the women.
"Because the letters are sent from someone who's out there on the ground, they seem very special," Eickman said.
Although the club will continue to send care packages to the troops, they also rally around organizations in the community.
"We are also supporting Family Services and the literacy program for Redlands Day Nursery," s Eickman said. "We're collecting pull tabs and pennies for the Ronald McDonald House. We have several facets of service."
E-mail Staff Writer Catherine Garcia at cgarcia@redlandsdailyfacts.com
Ellie