I'd like to start a drive/charity etc. to collect money or supplies to give to soldiers in Iraq?

Question

How could I go about doing this? I'd like to collect donations online and also local. How would I be able to send them to Iraq? Thanks

Answer 1

You can find out about supplies to send through www.anysoldier.com. Each soldier requests different things for their comrades, but DVD's are popular and snacks are, too. You can get local churches to collect donations to cover the cost of shipping, and also to donate used DVD's and other things. Depending on where you live, a six pound box costs about$13 to send, so it's not much, and people will donate food and things.

I'd stick with local donations, personally. Less trouble to arrange. If you want to solicit online, why not ask people to just give to www.uso.org? They'll use the money to help our troops. People don't know this, but the American Red Cross helps our troops, too. And people can give phone cards to the troops through www.anysoldier.com, too.

Answer 2

I have started this with my kids this year. Every year we do some sort of outreach. Good for you, you will find it very rewarding. I am not sure how you would use the Internet, but locally there are several things you can do. First figure out what you want to raise; money, toiletries, etc. Then be creative. If you want to raise money, don't just ask for money, people don't always trust that. In the past we have made chocolate lollipops and sold them, or decorated little wooden boxes (1$ at a craft store) to sell, be creative, all profits were given as monetary donations. We have also gotten other agencies involved. We have gone through local churches, especially their CCD classes, local girl or boy scout troops, schools, or even businesses. I once talked a local nursing home to put up a drop box when I was trying to collect blankets and linens for a homeless shelter. People are willing to help, all you have to do is ask.

There is a website that you might want to check out it is www.hugsfromhome.com. This site will tell you how you can get involved.

Answer 3

they have the supplies , thats half the problem . think of a way to end the fihgting then they won't need them .