One of the things I am trying to do is channel my energy into ways that can help others. And for some reason, the plight of our servicemen and women keeps pinging me and I am compelled to help in some fashion. I’m putting these ideas out here in case you also feel so moved. Today, think of those that are fighting in a war that didn’t have to be and those whose lives have been irrevocably changed by doing so. Be thankful that they are willing to do it for this country. Say a prayer, light a candle, send a good thought. We need all the positivity we can get out there, folks. Especially in these divisive times (and I only see more ahead).
From DemocraticUnderground:
So sad…the number ONE request at Walter Reed hospital is phone cards. Because the priority of our government is to continue tax cuts for the likes of Paris Hilton, the government doesn’t pay LD phone charges and these guys, many of them amputees, are rationing their calls home.
Many will be there throughout the holidays.
Remember that most are from poor families. It is disgusting that they cannot keep in touch with family after what they have been asked to sacrifice for BushCo; especially this time of year.
Support the troops — cuz BushCo doesn’t. Send phone cards of any amount to:
Medical Family Assistance Center
Walter Reed Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Building 2, Third Floor, Room 3E01
Washington, DC 20307-5001They say they need an “endless” supply of these — any amount even $5 is greatly appreciated.
$5 Phone Cards Are Great But Costco has one that offers 670 minutes for $20. I might pick one up the next time I’m there — wow if 100 people do that, it might pay for the phone for a whole month for those guys.
I called the Walter Reed Medical Center Family Assistance Center this morning to find out if there was anything else they needed. The very nice Staff Sergeant confirmed that the soldiers do indeed need phone cards and advised that just last month, the patients went through 55,000 minutes of phone card time last month!!
I asked if they needed anything else. He said they have plenty of stuff like sweat suits and sundries, and that what they could really use for the wounded patients in addition to phone cards are breakaway pants and small pillows (he described them as polystyrene filled pillows in elastic type covers, which the patients, particularly the amputees, find helpful for comfort).
He didn’t say so, but I bet the wounded could really use cards, letters and holiday greetings. I told him we wanted to help in a way that directly helps the soldiers (rather than going through the Red Cross or some third party org) and he assured me that would be the case.
EDIT: I came across this site (recommended by DKos where you can donate to the cause: Operation Uplink.
