|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATION STOCKING STUFFER PROJECT - CHRISTMAS 2004
|
Operation Stocking Stuffer 12/28/04
Annual Report and Donation Receipt 2004
Dear Stocking Stuffer,
As 2004 wraps up, we would like to thank you for your contribution in support of our troops in Iraq. Please find your tax deductible donation receipt at the bottom of this letter. Also, please find enclosed a letter from Operation Stocking Stuffer that accompanied your donations to the Marines this Christmas.
Operation Stocking Stuffer began with God planting a desire on Julie Ann's heart to support our son's Marine unit in Iraq (this was his first Christmas away from home). After getting donation ideas from, Lisa Villa, Key Volunteer Coordinator of our son's unit, on 30 September we asked our close friends and family for their help. You, in turn, notified your friends and family. Someone notified the media (Channel 12 News, KFLR radio, and KTAR radio) and the HERO network for home school families.
We held a sewing party at our house on 9 October to begin making the stockings. Over the next few weeks, we received about 1000 lbs. of donations. Sovereign Grace Church and Jill Boyce, founder of Wear the Word, provided 500 camouflage bandanas with the Soldier's Prayer (Psalm 91) inscribed. Caring Hearts Animal Clinic provided hygiene materials for about 300 Marines. Keller Williams East Valley and Sun Country Floors provided items for about 250 Marines. Three elementary schools provided hundreds of letters from thankful children. Your donations continued to roll in.
Good Life RV Resort opened their South Hall on Saturday 13 November to our stuffing party. About 15 residents, 10 Gilbert Fire Fighters, and 35 other volunteers stuffed 550 stockings. We had a lot of fun and the stuffing was a grand success. Near the middle of the process, our son, Kris, called from Iraq. We were led by a WW2 Marine resident of the park in a group shout of "Semper Fi" and a Marine Corps "growl." Kris was touched by the hearty show of support and encouragement.
Unfortunately, our shipping arrangements fell through at the last minute, so we were left with a living room full off stockings as we attempted to address the new need. As we prayed and worked to find a way to offset these costs, donations continued to arrive, so we made more stockings. The shipping costs, alone, approached $3500.
God was faithful in the effort, however, and provided a major donor, FNF Construction and several other major donors: Preferred Packaging, Vestar, Richmond Homes, Catalytic Energy and others. This generous financial support and effort by Peggy Edgar enabled final shipment of over 3000 lbs. of support, including 680 stockings on 11 December 2004 to our Marines serving in Iraq this Christmas.
Marine journalist, Sgt. Nathan K. LaForte, and photographer Cpl. Joel A. Chaverri took interest and wrote a couple of stories,
"U.S. supports troops with flood of care packages and gifts for holiday season"
and
"'Generation of Hope' receives support from home"
You can find them on the Marine Corps web site by searching the titles.
Fox News also interviewed Kris in Iraq and showed him giving out your stockings to smiling and surprised Marines. We also were interviewed by Fox 10 News and were able to communicate your patriotism and support. Your giving touched many Marines sacrificing their Christmas for our freedom and to promote liberty in Iraq.
1st Sgt. Bonnie Skinner wrote:
"I watched the Marines go through the stockings. Their faces lit up like a candle and it was a beautiful sight.... I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your support back home. You definitely brightened up our day and warmed our hearts.... Once again from all of us, a heart filled thank you!"
GySgt Ramon Villa wrote:
"Wow!!! What a blessing!!! Thanks for all that you are doing."
Sgt. Robert W Maynard wrote:
"I would personally like to thank you for the unselfish, kind gesture of sending the stockings to myself and the rest of the Marines. They were welcomed with open arms and enjoyed very much. They brought a little twinkle to our holiday season abroad."
Cpl. Kristopher Ivanov wrote:
"The Christmas Stockings are turning out to be a great success. You and the American people have made many Marines Christmas a special one."
Due to your overwhelming support, 400 of the stockings and all the extra boxes, about 1500 lbs., was shipped to two remote sites. The Marines in these areas, have very limited access to the PX (shopping stores on bases), so it is especially gratifying that we could provide them with some encouragement and support.
Again, we would like to thank you all for your selfless support for these brave young heroes who are "Our Generation of Hope." May God bless you and your families during 2005. Plan on being contacted again for an even bigger Operation Stocking Stuffer next Christmas.
Julie Ann and Pavel Ivanov
Operation Stocking Stuffer - 2004
"With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than we can ask or imagine." Eph. 3:20. ==================================================================================
Operation Stocking Stuffer - Taxable Charitable Contribution Receipt - 2004
Donor: Amount:
Address:
* Charity name is: Momentum Youth Arts |
|
|
