We have 96 days to collect items for our soldiers Christmas packages and
ship overseas to our soldiers. We have much to do to get ready to meet our holiday goals. Get the word out you are collecting holiday items for Soldiers' Angels holiday care packages. Contact your local Walmart, grocery store, schools, churches, workplace, service group, ask to put out a donation collection box. Monetary donations are always accepted. We need postage money to ship our holiday packages.
Every item collected is that much closer to filling a care package with holiday cheer~
We need 180,000 of Everything:
Hot Cocoa Packets
Hot Cider Packets
Men's White Socks (sizes 9-15)
Candy Bars (any size)
Hard Candy - 90,000 pounds
Candy Canes
Beef Jerky
Gum
Sunflower Seeds
Halloween Candy
Power Bars
Nuts
Any yummy prepackaged yummy goodies!
Christmas Cards- signed with encouraging messages
Stainless Steel Thermal Mug
Handmade Blanket of Belief - directions on our website
www.soldiersangels.orgThis list is flexible - anything will be considered for our holiday packages.
Contact me with questions - cvink@soldiersangels.org
Ship your holiday donations, with your contact information plus an estimated
value to:
Soldiers' Angels - Christmas
4408 N Pan Am Expressway
San Antonio, TX 78218
Wingtip to Wingtip~
Friday, July 30, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Yellow Ribbon event @ the Austin Renaissance Hotel
Angel Ellen Schiver, who also volunteers with the Red Cross, thought it would be great if Soldiers' Angels could participate in the Yellow Ribbon events for the Texas National Guard. She couldn't do it because she was already committed to be there with the Red Cross. So, she connected me with the person who was in charge of it. I was told Soldiers' Angels would be more than welcome to take part. I emailed my small contact list of local Angels, and Melissa MacLaurin stepped up and said she'd be able to join me.
This was the first of several Yellow Ribbon events leading up to the deployment of soldiers from the 36th ID of the Texas Army National Guard from Camp Mabry. I arrived at the Renaissance Hotel here in Austin about 11:30. I knew I was in the right place when I saw the trees (thanks, Melissa, for thinking to take the picture!)
Thankfully, I found a parking space that wasn't too far away. I had my box of stuff to carry in for the table. I asked the doorman (or valet) if he could direct me to where the Yellow Ribbon event was taking place, so when I got inside, I didn't notice the welcome the hotel had posted (again, thanks, Melissa, for the photo!).
When I got there, I didn't see anyone I knew, so I just asked where I was to set up. Anywhere... I picked a table right inside the area they had for "exhibitors" and started to unload my box when Ellen found me and suggested I take the empty table next to the Red Cross. I'm glad I did move! Later in the afternoon, the gentleman at my first choice of table had to wear his sunglasses as to not be blinded by the sun!
I saw Penny's From Heaven Foundation therapy dogs and chatted with founder Patsy Swendson. Patsy reminded me that Emmie of the Hike For Our Heroes is a certified therapy dog. I should have taken some photos of the many dogs in attendance with their "vests" with the Soldiers' Angels logo patches on them. Several handlers asked for Soldiers' Angels pins to add to the vests, as well.
The main reason for being there, of course, was to share about what Soldiers' Angels can provide to the soldiers and their families. Some had already heard of us (one guy said they ended up with tons of SA coffee mugs on his last deployment...) and others hadn't heard of us at all. We were able to give out lots of brochures, pins and bracelets, as well as just talk to people about all the different things Soldiers' Angels does.
There were single soldiers, married soldiers, spouses of soldiers (both husbands and wives), parents of soldiers, and even one nephew! At least one spouse I spoke to is expecting, and one female soldier has a small child, so I was able to tell them about Operation Top Knot. The head of the FRG (though I didn't know that's who I was talking to until after the fact) said they needed to get all their single soldiers signed up to be adopted.
One couple was there with their 3-month-old baby girl. The young wife is worried about something as simple as getting the groceries home to their second story apartment while also keeping an eye on the baby. I gave her my contact information, so hopefully she'll get in touch with me if she needs help. I told her I wouldn't be able to help all the time, but I'm sure I could lend a hand on occasion. I also mentioned Operation Outreach to her, since I think this will be her first deployment experience and she seems nervous about it, especially with the new baby.
Me and Melissa manning the table
Participating in this Yellow Ribbon event was a positive experience. Thank you, Ellen, for letting me know about it, and thanks, too, to Melissa, for helping man the table. I look forward to representing Soldiers' Angels at future Yellow Ribbon events. If you are in the Austin area and would be interested in helping out, please contact me at blogs -at- soldiersangels -dot- org. Oh, and if you are a San Antonio area Angel, Patsy from Penny's From Heaven Foundation would love to hear from you, too!
Angel Ellen at the neighboring American Red Cross table
Update: Ellen sends a picture of the therapy dogs from Penny's From Heaven Foundation
This was the first of several Yellow Ribbon events leading up to the deployment of soldiers from the 36th ID of the Texas Army National Guard from Camp Mabry. I arrived at the Renaissance Hotel here in Austin about 11:30. I knew I was in the right place when I saw the trees (thanks, Melissa, for thinking to take the picture!)
Thankfully, I found a parking space that wasn't too far away. I had my box of stuff to carry in for the table. I asked the doorman (or valet) if he could direct me to where the Yellow Ribbon event was taking place, so when I got inside, I didn't notice the welcome the hotel had posted (again, thanks, Melissa, for the photo!).
When I got there, I didn't see anyone I knew, so I just asked where I was to set up. Anywhere... I picked a table right inside the area they had for "exhibitors" and started to unload my box when Ellen found me and suggested I take the empty table next to the Red Cross. I'm glad I did move! Later in the afternoon, the gentleman at my first choice of table had to wear his sunglasses as to not be blinded by the sun!I saw Penny's From Heaven Foundation therapy dogs and chatted with founder Patsy Swendson. Patsy reminded me that Emmie of the Hike For Our Heroes is a certified therapy dog. I should have taken some photos of the many dogs in attendance with their "vests" with the Soldiers' Angels logo patches on them. Several handlers asked for Soldiers' Angels pins to add to the vests, as well.
The main reason for being there, of course, was to share about what Soldiers' Angels can provide to the soldiers and their families. Some had already heard of us (one guy said they ended up with tons of SA coffee mugs on his last deployment...) and others hadn't heard of us at all. We were able to give out lots of brochures, pins and bracelets, as well as just talk to people about all the different things Soldiers' Angels does.
There were single soldiers, married soldiers, spouses of soldiers (both husbands and wives), parents of soldiers, and even one nephew! At least one spouse I spoke to is expecting, and one female soldier has a small child, so I was able to tell them about Operation Top Knot. The head of the FRG (though I didn't know that's who I was talking to until after the fact) said they needed to get all their single soldiers signed up to be adopted.
One couple was there with their 3-month-old baby girl. The young wife is worried about something as simple as getting the groceries home to their second story apartment while also keeping an eye on the baby. I gave her my contact information, so hopefully she'll get in touch with me if she needs help. I told her I wouldn't be able to help all the time, but I'm sure I could lend a hand on occasion. I also mentioned Operation Outreach to her, since I think this will be her first deployment experience and she seems nervous about it, especially with the new baby.
Me and Melissa manning the tableParticipating in this Yellow Ribbon event was a positive experience. Thank you, Ellen, for letting me know about it, and thanks, too, to Melissa, for helping man the table. I look forward to representing Soldiers' Angels at future Yellow Ribbon events. If you are in the Austin area and would be interested in helping out, please contact me at blogs -at- soldiersangels -dot- org. Oh, and if you are a San Antonio area Angel, Patsy from Penny's From Heaven Foundation would love to hear from you, too!
Angel Ellen at the neighboring American Red Cross tableUpdate: Ellen sends a picture of the therapy dogs from Penny's From Heaven Foundation
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Soldiers' Angels Charity Weekend 17-18 July
The guys at RangerUp will have be introducing some new Soldiers' Angels tees this weekend. They will also be donating 20% of sales on July 17th and 18th will go to Soldiers' Angels, too! Please share on your blogs, by email, on facebook or twitter. And, maybe do a little shopping yourself. I know I plan on it!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
DFW Soldiers' Angels Calendar of Events
If you have an event or "happening" coming up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, please let us know so it may be added to the calendar.
DFW Soldiers’ Angels Calendar of Events
July 10, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
July 17, 2010 Lisa-Cards/Stamping Event. Possible Recruitment-Card Table (she will confirm on Monday)
July 31, 2010 Nancy-Barbara SA Car Event fundraiser (no additional volunteers needed)
August 4, 2010 Coast Guard Day
August 14, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
August 28, 2010 Possible Fisher House-Dallas Visit?
September 6, 2010 Labor Day
September 11, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
September 16, 2010 (Possible Booth Locations: Oktoberfest in Addision, TX and Grapefest in Grapevine, TX)
September 17, 2010 (Possible Booth Locations: Oktoberfest in Addision, TX and Grapefest in Grapevine, TX)
Yellow Ribbon Event
September 18, 2010 (Possible Booth Locations: Oktoberfest in Addision, TX and Grapefest in Grapevine, TX)
Yellow Ribbon Event
September 19, 2010 Possible Booth Locations: Oktoberfest in Addision, TX and Grapefest in Grapevine, TX)
Yellow Ribbon Event
September 24, 2010 State Fair of Texas is Open 9/24-10/17
October 1, 2010 SA- Sale Abration-Is there a location in DFW?
October 2, 2010 State Fair of Texas-Red River OU/UT Game
SA- Sale Abration-Is there a location in DFW?
October 3, 2010 SA- Sale Abration-Is there a location in DFW?
October 9, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
October 17, 2010 State Fair of Texas Last Day 9/24-10/17
October 26, 2010 Day of the Deployed-Ty is POC
October 31, 2010 Halloween
November 6, 2010 Kristi-Frisco Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
Jody-Baby Shower @ SMU @ 1pm
November 7, 2010 Kristi-Frisco Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 11, 2010 Veterans Day-Parade in Dallas, TX-Nancy is POC for this event
November 13, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
Stephanie-Fort Worth Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 14, 2010 Stephanie-Fort Worth Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 20, 2010 Nancy-Dallas Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 21, 2010 Nancy-Dallas Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 25, 2010 Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2010 Lisa-Mesquite/McKinney Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 28, 2010 Lisa-Mesquite/McKinney Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
December 3, 2010 Angels Only Sorting of stocking donations at 6pm-9pm
December 4, 2010 Holiday’s for Heroes Stocking Stuffer Event in Dallas 9am-noon (Lisa will confirm location)
December 11, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
December 25, 2010 Christmas
DFW Soldiers’ Angels Calendar of Events
July 10, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
July 17, 2010 Lisa-Cards/Stamping Event. Possible Recruitment-Card Table (she will confirm on Monday)
July 31, 2010 Nancy-Barbara SA Car Event fundraiser (no additional volunteers needed)
August 4, 2010 Coast Guard Day
August 14, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
August 28, 2010 Possible Fisher House-Dallas Visit?
September 6, 2010 Labor Day
September 11, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
September 16, 2010 (Possible Booth Locations: Oktoberfest in Addision, TX and Grapefest in Grapevine, TX)
September 17, 2010 (Possible Booth Locations: Oktoberfest in Addision, TX and Grapefest in Grapevine, TX)
Yellow Ribbon Event
September 18, 2010 (Possible Booth Locations: Oktoberfest in Addision, TX and Grapefest in Grapevine, TX)
Yellow Ribbon Event
September 19, 2010 Possible Booth Locations: Oktoberfest in Addision, TX and Grapefest in Grapevine, TX)
Yellow Ribbon Event
September 24, 2010 State Fair of Texas is Open 9/24-10/17
October 1, 2010 SA- Sale Abration-Is there a location in DFW?
October 2, 2010 State Fair of Texas-Red River OU/UT Game
SA- Sale Abration-Is there a location in DFW?
October 3, 2010 SA- Sale Abration-Is there a location in DFW?
October 9, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
October 17, 2010 State Fair of Texas Last Day 9/24-10/17
October 26, 2010 Day of the Deployed-Ty is POC
October 31, 2010 Halloween
November 6, 2010 Kristi-Frisco Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
Jody-Baby Shower @ SMU @ 1pm
November 7, 2010 Kristi-Frisco Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 11, 2010 Veterans Day-Parade in Dallas, TX-Nancy is POC for this event
November 13, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
Stephanie-Fort Worth Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 14, 2010 Stephanie-Fort Worth Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 20, 2010 Nancy-Dallas Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 21, 2010 Nancy-Dallas Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 25, 2010 Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 2010 Lisa-Mesquite/McKinney Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
November 28, 2010 Lisa-Mesquite/McKinney Grocery Store Stocking Drive Location
December 3, 2010 Angels Only Sorting of stocking donations at 6pm-9pm
December 4, 2010 Holiday’s for Heroes Stocking Stuffer Event in Dallas 9am-noon (Lisa will confirm location)
December 11, 2010 DFW R&R Troop Greeting at 8am (Call Before)
December 25, 2010 Christmas
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Below you will be able to read an account of the meeting the DFW Angels, that were present at welcoming home the troops today had. If you were not able to attend and wish to be added to the list that future emails will be sent to, please contact me at sa.veterans@gmail.com.
Thank you to all of you who were able to attend today and to all of you for what you do each and everyday for our deployed troops and our Veterans.
Hi DFW, TX Angels,
I just sent out an e-mail to the more active DFW Angels that I'm aware of in this area. I don't know everyone since I'm new but also wanted to make a list of confirmed (and tentative) upcoming list of events for our
DFW region. Please contact Nancy Kimbrell at nkkimbrell @ aol.com if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jody
July
7/10-DFW R&R Troop Greeting
7/17-Card/Stamping Recruitment Table in Grapevine, TX-Lisa POC (Tentative)
7/31-Nancy and Barbara SA Car Fundraiser Event-no extra volunteers needed
August
8/14-DFW R&R Troop Greeting
8/28-Possible Fisher House Dallas Visit (Tentative)
September
9/11-DFW R&R Troop Greeting
9/16-9/19-Oktoberfest in Addison, TX possible booth (Tentative)
9/16-9/19-Grapefest in Grapevine, TX possible booth (Tentative)
9/17-9/19-Yellow Ribbon Event-more details later-booth
9/24-10/17-State Fair of Texas-could we do something? (Tentative)
October
10/1-3: Saleabration-will we have a DFW location?
10/9: DFW R&R Troop Greeting
November
11/6-7: Holidays for Heroes Grocery Store Fundraiser: Frisco, TX
11/6: Operation Top Knot-Dallas: SMU 3030 Daniel Ave, Dallas, TX 75275 Baby Shower (Date is tentative but will confirm soon) Time is 1pm
11/11: Veterans Day Parade-Dallas, TX: Parade/Booth
11/13: DFW R&R Troop Greeting
11/13-14: Holidays for Heroes Grocery Store Fundraiser: Fort Worth, TX
11/20-21: Holidays for Heroes Grocery Store Fundraiser: Dallas, TX
11/27-28: Holidays for Heroes Grocery Store Fundraiser: Mesquite, TX
December
12/3: Friday Night 6pm-9pm: Sort donations for the stockings
12/4: HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES STOCKING STUFFER PARTY 9am-Noon, Dallas, TX (will confirm location soon)
12/11: DFW R&R Troop Greeting
Quote::
Hi Angels,
It was great to see those of you who were able to join us today at DFW Airport when we went to greet the troops coming home for R&R.
Excel List of Active Angels
I created an excel list of active angels. These are angels I've seen at events or on the Forum. The list is not complete or 100% accurate in regards to name, title etc. I just thought since so many of us will be working on events in the future it would be great to have a cheat sheet. If I'm missing information or my information is incorrect please e-mail me at jodyshervanick @ hotmail.com and I'll update all the information. I'll bring copies for the next airport event or will e-mail everyone an update. Those of us highlighted in red font on the List of Active DFW Angels had a great time and also brain stormed some great ideas for future events today when we ate at Cracker Barrel.
Calendar of Events
Please see the attached calendar of events. This calendar is not set in stone as we know we will be adding many new events to the list. The hope is not the same angels will attend all events but instead we can share the load of events/requests etc. Please share any ideas you have and please recruit, recruit, recruit! This state is huge and we need more Active Angels as our needs are great. Every weekend in November is booked for our Stocking Event which is going to be great. I know per our meeting today many angels are calling local craft fairs, sporting teams and other locations to host a booth. So please check our Texas Facebook Page, 2 Blogs and the Forum too. As Nancy mentioned she'll be the POC for anyone who has questions or needs.
Holidays' for Heroes
I have attached the flyer I created for Las Vegas and tweaked it with Texas copy. Feel free to edit this document so it fits your needs.
Thanks for all you do!
Jody
Thank you to all of you who were able to attend today and to all of you for what you do each and everyday for our deployed troops and our Veterans.
Hi DFW, TX Angels,
I just sent out an e-mail to the more active DFW Angels that I'm aware of in this area. I don't know everyone since I'm new but also wanted to make a list of confirmed (and tentative) upcoming list of events for our
DFW region. Please contact Nancy Kimbrell at nkkimbrell @ aol.com if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Jody
July
7/10-DFW R&R Troop Greeting
7/17-Card/Stamping Recruitment Table in Grapevine, TX-Lisa POC (Tentative)
7/31-Nancy and Barbara SA Car Fundraiser Event-no extra volunteers needed
August
8/14-DFW R&R Troop Greeting
8/28-Possible Fisher House Dallas Visit (Tentative)
September
9/11-DFW R&R Troop Greeting
9/16-9/19-Oktoberfest in Addison, TX possible booth (Tentative)
9/16-9/19-Grapefest in Grapevine, TX possible booth (Tentative)
9/17-9/19-Yellow Ribbon Event-more details later-booth
9/24-10/17-State Fair of Texas-could we do something? (Tentative)
October
10/1-3: Saleabration-will we have a DFW location?
10/9: DFW R&R Troop Greeting
November
11/6-7: Holidays for Heroes Grocery Store Fundraiser: Frisco, TX
11/6: Operation Top Knot-Dallas: SMU 3030 Daniel Ave, Dallas, TX 75275 Baby Shower (Date is tentative but will confirm soon) Time is 1pm
11/11: Veterans Day Parade-Dallas, TX: Parade/Booth
11/13: DFW R&R Troop Greeting
11/13-14: Holidays for Heroes Grocery Store Fundraiser: Fort Worth, TX
11/20-21: Holidays for Heroes Grocery Store Fundraiser: Dallas, TX
11/27-28: Holidays for Heroes Grocery Store Fundraiser: Mesquite, TX
December
12/3: Friday Night 6pm-9pm: Sort donations for the stockings
12/4: HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES STOCKING STUFFER PARTY 9am-Noon, Dallas, TX (will confirm location soon)
12/11: DFW R&R Troop Greeting
Quote::
Hi Angels,
It was great to see those of you who were able to join us today at DFW Airport when we went to greet the troops coming home for R&R.
Excel List of Active Angels
I created an excel list of active angels. These are angels I've seen at events or on the Forum. The list is not complete or 100% accurate in regards to name, title etc. I just thought since so many of us will be working on events in the future it would be great to have a cheat sheet. If I'm missing information or my information is incorrect please e-mail me at jodyshervanick @ hotmail.com and I'll update all the information. I'll bring copies for the next airport event or will e-mail everyone an update. Those of us highlighted in red font on the List of Active DFW Angels had a great time and also brain stormed some great ideas for future events today when we ate at Cracker Barrel.
Calendar of Events
Please see the attached calendar of events. This calendar is not set in stone as we know we will be adding many new events to the list. The hope is not the same angels will attend all events but instead we can share the load of events/requests etc. Please share any ideas you have and please recruit, recruit, recruit! This state is huge and we need more Active Angels as our needs are great. Every weekend in November is booked for our Stocking Event which is going to be great. I know per our meeting today many angels are calling local craft fairs, sporting teams and other locations to host a booth. So please check our Texas Facebook Page, 2 Blogs and the Forum too. As Nancy mentioned she'll be the POC for anyone who has questions or needs.
Holidays' for Heroes
I have attached the flyer I created for Las Vegas and tweaked it with Texas copy. Feel free to edit this document so it fits your needs.
Thanks for all you do!
Jody
Friday, July 9, 2010
Welcome Home @ DFW Airport
Please bring friends and family to DFW and help us welcome the Troops home for some well deserved R & R on Saturday, July 10th 2010.
1. Call 972-574-0392 the night before around 8 p.m. For the Flight Arrival Time and Terminal they will be arriving.
2. Call again in the morning to make sure there have been no changes.
3. Troops arrive at Terminal B or D. It takes about 30 minutes after arrival to make it thru customs and such.
4. We wear our Soldiers Angels Shirts or anything Patriotic.
5. Park across from the Terminal , you will be given a parking pass to pay for your parking so don't use your Toll Tag to enter the Airport.
6. Have fun, Hug some soldiers and say Thank You!
I believe a group will be having breakfast following the Welcome Home. Please make plans to join in and "brainstorm" on upcoming activities, etc.
1. Call 972-574-0392 the night before around 8 p.m. For the Flight Arrival Time and Terminal they will be arriving.
2. Call again in the morning to make sure there have been no changes.
3. Troops arrive at Terminal B or D. It takes about 30 minutes after arrival to make it thru customs and such.
4. We wear our Soldiers Angels Shirts or anything Patriotic.
5. Park across from the Terminal , you will be given a parking pass to pay for your parking so don't use your Toll Tag to enter the Airport.
6. Have fun, Hug some soldiers and say Thank You!
I believe a group will be having breakfast following the Welcome Home. Please make plans to join in and "brainstorm" on upcoming activities, etc.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Sgt. Andrew Hampton
Hi, Everyone
Please rejoice with me!! I have an update on Sgt. Andrew Hampton and it is all good....no, not good, it was awesome!
Some of you may already know that Andrew has been having extensive tests and consults with Baylor (both Dallas & Garland) and Texas Oncology! Today, we got the final report and it is more than we dared hope for...NO CANCER! He is in complete remission! Sgt. Hampton has won his battle. The oncologist told him today that "miracles do happen," and he considers him one of those miracles.
The doctor did say that he must be carefully followed for the next five years before they declare him "cured." Andrew is so far from the person that I met a few months ago that it is hard to realize he is the same guy. He is feeling good, eating, and putting some of his weight back on.
And, this afternoon he has taken his son fishing!!
Thanks to all of you who have helped with your prayers and words of encouragement! Please pray for his continued good health.
Please rejoice with me!! I have an update on Sgt. Andrew Hampton and it is all good....no, not good, it was awesome!
Some of you may already know that Andrew has been having extensive tests and consults with Baylor (both Dallas & Garland) and Texas Oncology! Today, we got the final report and it is more than we dared hope for...NO CANCER! He is in complete remission! Sgt. Hampton has won his battle. The oncologist told him today that "miracles do happen," and he considers him one of those miracles.
The doctor did say that he must be carefully followed for the next five years before they declare him "cured." Andrew is so far from the person that I met a few months ago that it is hard to realize he is the same guy. He is feeling good, eating, and putting some of his weight back on.
And, this afternoon he has taken his son fishing!!
Thanks to all of you who have helped with your prayers and words of encouragement! Please pray for his continued good health.
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