Thursday, January 26, 2012

Thankful Thursday: January 26, 2012

Happy Thursday! I'm so excited to report our numbers went up a bit this week....hooah! We received 8,398 cards - which is close to what we had received for the whole month of January before that - - thank you to everyone stepping up to keep our boxes going out!

This is the last Thankful Thursday report til after the cruise when we return and get all the data entry done...please be patient with Sandy and Kris! (Caro's keeping an eye on you all, so keep her busy!)

PS Don't forget OWHtv tonight!


Many thanks to all this week's donors!
  1. Anita O, Shell Lake, WI
  2. Ann M, Hutchinson, MN
  3. Anne N, Franklin Park, IL
  4. Barbara B, Lakewood, CO
  5. Barbara M, Bellflower, CA
  6. Barbara P, Clarkdale, AZ
  7. Becky L, Bethlehem, PA
  8. Bertie G, LuVerne, IA
  9. Bonnie C, Tobyhanna, PA
  10. Brittany S, Buhl, ID
  11. Carol P, Louisburg, KS
  12. Cheryl H-S, Plymouth, MI
  13. Cheryl Y, South Pasadena, CA
  14. Christine S, Chicago, IL
  15. Cindy E and Los Gatos Elks Lodge #1857, San Jose, CA
  16. Cindy S, Reading, PA
  17. Connie T, San Antonio, TX
  18. Cora J, Eugene, OR
  19. Cyndy R, Contoocook, NH
  20. Cynthia C, Slidell, LA
  21. Dawn L, Schenectady, NY
  22. Debbie M-T, Okawville, IL
  23. Debby M, Las Cruces, NM
  24. Deborah O, Mineral, VA
  25. Deborah P, Mercerville, NJ
  26. Denise L, Arroyo Grande, CA
  27. Denise L, Arroyo Grande, CA
  28. Dixie C, Charlotte, NC
  29. Dolores A, Frederick, MD
  30. Donna C, Leesburg, FL
  31. Eileen H, Womelsdorf, PA
  32. Elaine A and Valley Stampers - Jane, Kathy and Chris, Apple Valley, MN
  33. Elsie B, Valdese, NC
  34. Esther E and East Woods Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, WA
  35. Harriet L, Vista, CA
  36. Heather B and girls from Church youth group, Rochester, MI
  37. Heather G, San Clemente, CA
  38. Jamie R-M, Visalia, CA
  39. Jan R, Akron, OH
  40. Janis P and Crazy Croppers, Springfield, MO
  41. Joan T, Breezy Point, NY
  42. JoAnn U, Knoxville, TN
  43. John V, Reading, PA
  44. Josephine J, Houston, TX
  45. Joyce L, Flushing, NY
  46. Judith M, Hudson, IA
  47. Judy K, Orfordville, WI
  48. Judy T, Louisville, KY
  49. Kaki D, Lacombe, LA
  50. Karen T, Auburn, WA
  51. Katherine B, Fairfield, CA
  52. Kathy P, White Lake, MI
  53. Kathy S, Reedley, CA
  54. Kelly B and Stampfield Stars, Apple Valley, MN
  55. Kristie M, Puyallup, Wa
  56. Krystal M and Archiver's customers, Novi, MI
  57. Laurie B, Waukesha, WI
  58. Laurie B, Waukesha, WI
  59. Lee Mae E, Silverdale, WA
  60. Linda B, Allentown, PA
  61. Linda B, Burien, WA
  62. Linda C, Fayetteville, GA
  63. Linda M, Whippany, NJ
  64. Lindy C, Seattle, WA
  65. Lisa W and GirlScout Troop 593, Eagle River, Ak
  66. Lori B, Marietta, GA
  67. Margaret G, Stevenson Ranch, CA
  68. Marge M, Wayne, NJ
  69. Maude B, Las Cruces, NM
  70. Maureen W, Whitmore Lake, MI
  71. Nancy F, Trexlertown, PA
  72. Patricia B, Winchester, VA
  73. Patricia S, Spencerport, NY
  74. Paulette M, Hampstead, MD
  75. Phyllis G, St PauL, MN
  76. Polly R, Peoria, AZ
  77. Ramona S and Iota Sigma Chapter/Pri Iota Xi, Collison, IL
  78. Randee S, Dowagiac, MI
  79. Renee K, Santa Rosa, CA
  80. Robin and Stephanie G, New York, NY
  81. Rocky Mountain Memories and Rocky Mountain Memories, Estes Park, CO
  82. Rosie H, Florence, OR
  83. Ruby H, Walker, MN
  84. Seongsook D, Sacramento, CA
  85. Sharon D, Phoenix, Az
  86. Sharon N and Monroe County Ladies, Waterloo, IA
  87. Sherry H, Arlington, VA
  88. Stephanie K and the Church at Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, CA
  89. Stephanie S and LDS Church Relief Society, Alpine, Ut
  90. Sue B, Justin, TX
  91. Sue G, Galena, MD
  92. Sue K, Cannon Falls, MN
  93. Sue S, Liberty, MO
  94. Susan H, Whippany, NJ
  95. Susan R, Stevensville, MD
  96. Susan S, Grove City, OH
  97. Tanya K, Fulton, NY
  98. Teresa H, Charleston, SC
  99. Theresa E, Wenatchee, WA
  100. Tracy C, Allentown, PA
  101. Verna A, Big Stone City, SD
  102. Wilma B, Haughton, LA
Posted by Operation Write Home at 12:21 AM 0 comments
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Monday, January 23, 2012

Mailroom Monday Report: January 23, 2012

Happy Monday everyone! This will be the last Mailroom Monday post til Feb 20....I'm taking a rest break from the Monday and Thursday posts, especially since only 5 of you look at them each week anyway. LOL. (I kid.)

The Charity Wings Live from CHA online event* is 2/3 sold out; from what I gather, you pay a fee, they send you a project kit that you make throughout watching all their videos from CHA. You get a discount if you sign up with friends. It is a fundraiser, so the profits should be going to whoever they are fundraising for this first quarter - which now will not be OWH. If you missed the Facebook announcement, I'm asking OWHers to stop voting. The contest rules changed as of yesterday, and robovoting is obviously taking place - so we're just going to pull out of the contest, save our sanity, and go back to what our real focus should be: making cards.
I'm sorry and I appreciate your understanding; next time I promise to do my due diligence and research actual contest rules before getting us into a contest like this where feelings are hurt. You all are awesome supporters, and I appreciate your help when I ask you to jump in on something for our heroes!! -Sandy
*Charity Wings footage is not OWH footage, though they may discuss OWH -  you'll get our vlogs and photos on our blogs and on http://acolourfulworld.blogspot.com



And now....your Mailroom Monday report! We shipped out 39 boxes, and in the west coast's case, that was the very very last of every card on the shelf! Please read this post for more information.


To heroes serving in Afghanistan
190 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Air Force unit
190 cards to an Air Force unit
190 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Air Force unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Navy unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Civilian unit
190 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
145 cards to an Navy unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Air Force unit
340 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Civilian unit
145 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Air Force unit

To heroes serving in Kuwait:
340 cards to an Army unit
190 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit

To heroes serving in Qatar:
190 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit

To heroes serving in Korea:
335 cards to an Air Force unit
190 cards to an Army unit



Other fun statistics:
Number of boxes sent: 4,733
Number of hero contacts: 1,605
Total cards sent: over 1.4 million!



Deadline reminders:
Calendar is here
January 1 - Valentines PASSED
IMPORTANT: read note about spring holidays!
Feb 1 - St Patricks
Feb 15 - Easter
March 31 - Mother's Day, graduation

Current shipper needs: see here.
Posted by Operation Write Home at 4:55 AM 0 comments
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Thursday, January 19, 2012

A Letter from the President

Dear OWH family,

Sandy Allnock
I am so very excited to present you with our Annual Review celebrating our accomplishments in 2011! Our gratitude for your amazing support is not only from those of us at OWH—myself, our volunteer shippers, our board of directors—but from our heroes themselves. Just spend some time on the Hero Blog and soak in the thanks in their own words!

As I spent time reviewing the data from the year, and remembering back to so many wonderful things that happened for us, I was truly humbled by all that has come our way. And the numbers may be impressive, but each one of the numbers represents people—and our people, both our donors and our beneficiaries, are the best.

In no way did I ever imagine this little project started on a message board and a blog would grow this way, or engender the passion in so many people with such big hearts.

Just last night, I was interviewed for Paper Trey Ink's podcast, and as the hostess' questions brought up answers of such scale — I could hardly believe it myself, even though I've lived through it. Who would be able to imagine just how many cards are made and donated every week? Or who would guess how many heroes - about 200 units served at any given time, every 6 weeks - we would be keeping up with? Or that all the costs would be so generously donated for shipping, postal supplies, triage tools and materials, website maintenance - plus our adventures at the Craft and Hobby Association tradeshow? The support of individuals and companies is nothing short of amazing - and it's an honor to see how America has stepped up to serve those who so bravely serve us.

So...please accept my heartfelt thanks. And keep on with your own personal mission, joined with ours: helping our heroes keep in touch with home...one card at a time, until they all come home.

Humbly yours,
Sandy Allnock, President, Operation Write Home






Please enjoy this graphical review of 2011 - and be sure to share the link with others!
Posted by Operation Write Home at 2:20 AM 0 comments
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Thankful Thursday Report: January 19, 2012

Thanks to those sending in cards this week! Our list is short, for two reasons - one, we have a shipper on vacation; and two, we're getting so few cards right now! West coast has seen 3 mail days in a row with no boxes at all :( Our heroes need you, ladies!

Many many thanks to these folks for their wonderful help this past week!
  1. AJ S, Denver, CO
  2. Anneliese I AND Cub Scout Pack 415, St George, UT
  3. Barbara B, Tucson, AZ
  4. Barbara M, Iowa City, IA
  5. Bonnie V, Chesterfield, MI
  6. Cara S, Phoenix, AZ
  7. Cheryl H, Zephyrhills, FL
  8. Danielle L, Clinton Township, MI
  9. Denise W, Pueblo, CO
  10. Hannah M, Naples, FL
  11. Jama D, Bellevue, NE
  12. Jean D, West Valley City, UT
  13. Jennifer M, Marshfield, WI
  14. JoAnn B, Roseburg, OR
  15. Judith M, Hudson, IA
  16. Karen O, Las Vegas, NV
  17. Kit P and Scrap Happy Sisters, Glendale, AZ
  18. Kristie M, Puyallup, Wa
  19. Leslie F, APO, AE
  20. Lise G, Glen Rose, TX
  21. Marlyn M, Fox Lake, WI
  22. Maureen L, Cedar Rapids, IA
  23. Paula H, New Ulm, MN
  24. Sheila G, Puyallup, WA
  25. Trish C, Spring Valley, MN
  26. Wilma H, Arkins, AR
Posted by Operation Write Home at 1:18 AM 0 comments
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Monday, January 16, 2012

Mailroom Monday Report: January 16, 2012

This week our volunteer shippers packed up and sent out 45 boxes of cards to our heroes! We always slow down a little after the holidays, though the requests increase during December - so we have a long waiting list growing. 

After the holiday blitz of AnyHero mail, we're also starting to run out of letters to include in our boxes! The stacks aren't as big as they ought....so if you're able to help your shipper out by including some AnyHero letters, please do!


Here are the specifics about where cards went this week:

To heroes serving in Afghanistan:
175 cards to a mixed unit unit
360 cards to an Air Force unit
50 cards to an Army unit
50 cards to an Army unit
42 cards to a Marine unit
40 cards to a National Guard unit
170 cards to an Army unit
170 cards to an Army unit
170 cards to an Army unit
365 cards to a Civilian unit
175 cards to an Army unit
175 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to a National Guard unit
340 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Air Force unit
345 cards to an Air Force unit
345 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Air Force unit
340 cards to an Army unit
155 cards to a Marine unit
155 cards to an Army unit
155 cards to a Marine unit
155 cards to an Army unit

To heroes serving in Iraq:
340 cards to a Civilian unit
340 cards to an Army unit
155 cards to an Army unit

To heroes serving in Japan:
340 cards to an Air Force unit

To heroes serving in Kuwait:
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to a National Guard unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to a National Guard unit
340 cards to an Air Force unit

To heroes serving in Qatar:
45 cards to an Army unit



Other fun statistics:
Number of boxes sent: 4,733
Number of hero contacts: 1,605
Total cards sent: over 1.4 million!



Deadline reminders:
Calendar is here
January 1 - Valentines PASSED
IMPORTANT: read note about spring holidays!
Feb 1 - St Patricks
Feb 15 - Easter
March 31 - Mother's Day, graduation

Current shipper needs: see here.
Posted by Operation Write Home at 4:19 AM 0 comments
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Sunday, January 15, 2012

Vlog with a flashmob!


Posted by Operation Write Home at 8:08 PM 0 comments
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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Thankful Thursday: January 12, 2012

Happy Thursday everyone!! Today I wanted to show off this superspecial pile of AnyHero mail from Beekman Elementary and Jr High - these letters are really going to make some heroes SMILE!


Many thanks to all of you who also donated cards, letters, and funds this week....you all make our shippers smile every day at the mailbox :) Speaking of mailboxes - don't forget, postage is going up January 22nd. Get your package in the mail before then and save 50cents on your USPS package!

  1. Allison G, Ft Worth, TX
  2. Amy B and Girl Scout Troop 55331, Roseville, MN
  3. Anita A, Turlock, CA
  4. Anne J, Gering, NE
  5. Bonnie C, Charlotte, MI
  6. Bonnie C, Tobyhanna, PA
  7. Carmen P, Peoria, IL
  8. Caro H, Mint Hill, NC
  9. Cat B, Mineral Wells, TX
  10. Cristy B, Watertown, WI
  11. Daphne P, Charlotte, NC
  12. Deborah N, Parker, CO
  13. Dee N, Brimley, MI
  14. Denise R, Martinez, GA
  15. Denise R, Martinez, GA
  16. Denise W, Pueblo, CO
  17. Diane V, Norfolk, VA
  18. Dixie C, Charlotte, NC
  19. Dixie C, Charlotte, NC
  20. Donna D and Beekman Elementary and Junior High, Monroe, LA
  21. Esther E, Vancouver, WA
  22. Felisia K, San Leandro, CA
  23. Gail S, Elgin, IL
  24. Garnet P, Lynden, WA
  25. Gwen S, Cedar HIll, MO
  26. Heather T, Pineville, NC
  27. Jean B, Meadville, PA
  28. Jennifer F, Ashdown, AR
  29. Jennifer M, Marshfield, WI
  30. John V, Reading, PA
  31. Judith M, Hudson, IA
  32. Judy S, Iola, KS
  33. Julie F, Shreveport, LA
  34. Kadie Q, Downey, CA
  35. Karen W, Hanford, CA
  36. Kari R, Roanoke, VA
  37. Kate B, Sebastopol, CA
  38. Kathie J, Kennesaw, GA
  39. Kathy T, The Villages, FL
  40. Katiani P, Pembroke Pines, FL
  41. Katlyn T, Whitewater, WI
  42. Kay M, Victorville, Ca
  43. Kim T, Johns Creek, GA
  44. Kodie S and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Highland 2nd Young Women and friends, Highland, CA
  45. Kym A, Florence, Or
  46. Linda G, Simenill, OK
  47. Lisa H, Rockport, MA
  48. Lori W, Federal Way, WA
  49. Lori W, Indianapolis, IN
  50. Lynn R, High River, Alberta
  51. Marie W, Cottage Grove, MN
  52. Mary Ann L, Pittsburgh, PA
  53. Mary Ellen G, West St Paul, MN
  54. Mary P, Mt Vernon, IL
  55. McGraw-Hill C, Princeton, NJ
  56. Meighan S, Pittsburgh, PA
  57. Monica P, Alamogordo, NM
  58. Pam C, Aledo, TX
  59. Paula R, Cleveland, TN
  60. Roberta O, Lafayette, IN
  61. Rose H, Burke, VA
  62. Ruby H, Walker, MN
  63. Sandra K, Andover, CT
  64. Sharon P, Fort Mill, SC
  65. Stampers Corner Inc and Stampers Corner, Elk Grove, CA
  66. Susan F and Checkered Cottage, Kirkwood, MO
  67. Susan S, Santa Ana, CA
  68. Susi G, Brodhead, WI
  69. Sybrina K, Pickerington, OH
  70. Trish C, Spring Valley, MN
  71. Trudi K, Ellenboro, WV
  72. Victoria M, Carlsbad, CA
  73. WCCW , Gig Harbor, WA
Posted by Operation Write Home at 2:27 AM 0 comments
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