Soccer Balls, Pens, and Treats - The Afghanistan Edition.

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
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WITH MOD PERMISSION

Our favorite Bear_Nenno is at it again, this time in Afghanistan. As he writes-

*"Last year, posters were very helpful in sending goodies to hand out to the children in Iraqi neighborhoods. I’ve been in Afghanistan for about a week or so, and this place makes Iraq look like Beverly Hills! These kids need stuff a hundred times more than those silver-spooned Iraqi children.
One major thing I’ve noticed is that the kids here don’t beg (demand). So far, the kids seem to watch nervously, but do not expect to receive anything from soldiers. In Iraq, children would shout for chocolate or soccer balls as if the American patrol was a parade float throwing out prizes.
Though we’ve been in this country for almost a decade, the area I’m in has had little US presence until very recently. These kids have yet to be spoiled by the generosity of Americans. I’d like to change that.

Who would like to help? The major difference this time is that there are no shops on base from which to purchase things, so PayPal isn’t going to be an option this time. Donations will have to be made in the form of actual items.

I know that the economy sucks ass right now, so I’m not expecting the turn-out like last time. But every little bit goes a long way. Hell, a 99 cent pack of ball point pens or stickers will give these kids days of entertainment.

I’m going to need someone to organize things on that end. Maybe that person can take PayPal and do the shopping to send me stuff, so if people have money, but no time, that can still be an option.

Pictures will flow in regularly. My one regret about doing this in Iraq was the small amount of pictures. It was easier to just randomly hand out something on the fly than to take the time to get out the camera first. Think about how a camera would have to be stored to ensure it doesn’t get ruined on a patrol… now imagine getting it out, handing out a beanie baby, then packing it back up. See what I mean. But now I have a titanium, shock proof, water proof, war proof camera, so I’ll be able to take more pictures more often.

So who’s up for it?"*

I am willing to help out Bear_Nenno to coordinate efforts again this year.

Here is a picture of one of the Iraqi kids receiving a soccer ball.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41983136@N00/4206580508/

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I don’t know about the Iraq version, so if someone could chime in that this legit, I’d appreciate it. Otherwise, I’d be happy to contribute some cash.

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Definitely legit, I recall from past efforts : )

And I’d like to ask, does anyone know if there are any books/school/art supplies that are needed? Librarian checking in here and I always like to go for the “educational fun” angle…

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Sorry, here is the thread from 2007.

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=442271&highlight=bear+iraq+packages+flat+rate

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I’d be happy to donate if someone is doing the paypal/purchasing/shipping end of things.

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Try working through anysoldier.com .

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I would rather put together my own package. Is there an address we can use to send directly? Please PM me if so.

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Take a look at their web site: http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm . You can put together your own package and send it to soldiers who have signed up to receive and distribute the contents. The site also has information about shipping methods and requirements that would apply to any package sent over there, whether through them or not, on their “How to send” page.

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MLS,

www.anysoldier.com is a great site, I’ve never had a bad experience with it. I did it waaaaaay back in the beginning, when there was maybe 130 guys total, fall of 2004.

I did it for 2-3 years, sent a shitload of packages, made some great friends that I still talk to. Met a couple, hired one last year to work for me. I know of a couple that met and married because of anysoldier, and another that fell in love. You start by trying to help other people, and it’s amazing what kind of an impact it has on you.

Lost one of my guys in 2005, went and visited him in Arlington this spring.

I think anysoldier is a very worthwhile project. I also think that people want to see the difference they are making, and make a connection with a soldier.

Bear_Nenno does this, just on a smaller, more personal SDMB scale.

But I would highly recommend Anysoldier to anyone that wants to do more.

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If someone would PM me an address I’d get a package together.

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oops

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Everyone who has asked for Bear’s address should have it tonight.

In his latest email he mentioned that he noticed that the Afghanis were much more observant Muslims. We should hold off on any food or treat items until we know that they can eat them.

Also, we don’t want to send any lights, batteries, battery operated toys, electrical generating, or things of that ilk.

Our best bets are paper, pens, toys, clothes, colored pencils, soccer balls, beanie babies, matchbox cars, etc.

If anyone wants to send things by paypal, I will probably just send soccer balls to simplify things, unless Bear comes up with a specific request as we go. They are $10 each for good quality that will last for quite a while. (The local sports guy knows me, knows what we’ve done before, and gives me a discount.) You can PM me, and I’ll send the paypal account info.

Be creative and have fun with this. It’s a great thing, and it’s fun to do with other people.

Thanks for the great response already!

Thanks again for the great response.

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Going to give this one bump since the holidays may have distracted people…

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Thanks kayT I missed it first go round.

If I could get Bear_Nenno mailing address I would appreciate it.

Thanks fisha for being point man (woman/fish?) on this, can I get your paypal addy too so something can go out quickly?.

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I would like Bear’s mailing address also, Im headed out today for a doctor’s appointment and I can just head over to the nearest dollar store and pick up a bunch of fun stuff. Does he ever interact with female children? I can get some offbrand dolls [not barbies, too sexualized but baby dolls]

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The balls are bound to go to the boys, though. Colored pencils for the girls, please? Dolls are ridiculously expensive, but a box of 10 crayons can go a long way and it doesn’t break any rules about “making images of people”.

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Excellent point, Nava, I didn’t even think of that. I will try to pack the boxes 50/50. Even when deflated, the soccer balls leave quite a bit of room around them that can be filled.

Reepicheep and aruvqan, check your PM’s

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Address needed! I’m goin’ shoppin’!

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fisha, I’m at work so can’t email(long story) but could you PM or email me the address for Bear_Nenno to get the stuff? When I get home I’ll also PM.

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I’d like an address too, please. I’ll see what I can throw together.