Operation Iraqi Friendship

                 Yellow Ribbon Project

The "Yellow Ribbon Project" is the idea of our youngest team member Bailey.  Sometimes at our fundraisers, people will tell us the government should be the ones supporting our troops or that they don't want to help because they do not agree with the US efforts in Iraq.  Bailey could never understand this.  For Bailey, supporting our troops means letting them know in simple ways that we appreciate their service and dedication to our country.  It is not at all about agreeing or disagreeing with what they are doing, just simply thanking them for always answering their call to duty whatever and wherever it may be.  Even if we don't agree with what they are doing, our troops deserve to know we do indeed appreciate their personal sacrifice and commitment to our country.  And most of all they need to know that their fellow Americans back home are thinking about them and praying for their safe return back home! 

While shopping over the holidays Bailey noticed a store selling a paper shape you could get for a dollar donation to the charity and write your name on the paper.  Thanks to our many fundraisers, you see Support Our Troops magnets on cars all over our town.  So Bailey thought it would be a really cool idea to pass out plain cardstock yellow ribbons for a $1.00 or more donation that people could write a message of thanks on to our troops.  The ribbons will then be attached to a treat bag filled with the two items requested most by our soldiers, hard candy and gum, and sent to US troops serving in Iraq.  The treat bag is not something our soldiers are necessarily in dire need of, but just a "treat" to help show appreciation and let them know someone is thinking of them.  Bailey is a big part of our Hero Hugs program and has had many soldiers tell her the simple notes of thanks that come from a stranger often are the ones that can mean the most.  Bailey's goal is to send 100,000 "Yellow Ribbons" to our troops in Iraq.

We are looking for businesses willing to showcase our  "Yellow Ribbons" in their store.  Please email us at HeroHugs2004@aol.com if you would be willing to take part in this very special project.  We also need volunteers who would be willing to help get our "Yellow Ribbons" out to others.....maybe get your office at work involved in the project, your church or another club you belong to.....even your neighbors.  For a list of businesses where you can get your "Yellow Ribbon" click here.  You may also get your  "Yellow Ribbon" by sending your donation made out to "Operation Iraqi Friendship" to P.O. Box 27, Niceville, FL 32588.  Be sure to include the message you would like printed on your ribbon.  If you would like to fill out your own ribbon(s), include an additional 50 cents and we will mail you the ribbon and you may return it to the same address above.  The  "Yellow Ribbon" project is a great way for scout troops, educational classrooms and others to send a message of thanks to our troops.  The biggest reward will be for the troops who get the ribbons and are reminded that there are people all over thinking of them and appreciating the sacrifices they make to make our world a better and safer place.  With a lot of help, Bailey can reach her goal and we can be sure our US troops know they are being thought of.  If you have any more questions about this project or want more information on how you or your organization can participate, please mail us at HeroHugs2004@aol.com.

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