Monday, February 28, 2011

Mailroom Monday: February 28, 2011

Note inside: "We appreciate the support! We loved - and used - the cards! -Task Force Keystone"
This week 4,030 cards were mailed out - at a cost of $182.25! It's a low week, but stay tuned - as we finish sorting out all the Spring Thaw cards, the coming week should see our shippers standing in line at the post office once again! Many thanks to all who help out every week with the shipping costs...you are making a huge difference for our heroes! 


SPECIAL REQUEST: We're running low on hero mail! If you're a teacher, or if you know one - see if their classes would write letters. We also need adult letters, so please include a couple with each of your packages. Thanks!


To  heroes in Afghanistan:
340 cards to an Air Force unit
150 cards to an Air Force unit
150 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to a Navy unit
150 cards to an Army unit
360 cards to a USO
350 cards to an Army unit
350 cards to a Navy unit
350 cards to an Army unit
350 cards to an Army unit


To heroes in Iraq:
150 cards to an Army unit
350 cards to an Army unit


To heroes at sea:
150 cards to a Navy unit


To heroes in Kuwait:
340 cards to a Navy unit
150 cards to an Army unit






Other fun statistics:
Number of boxes sent:  2768
Number of hero contacts: 1165
Total cards sent: 855,632


Deadline reminders: 
Feb 10 - St Patricks PASSED
Feb 28 - Spring Thaw Challenge PASSED
March 18 - Easter
March 31 - Mother's Day
April 15 - Graduation
May 21 - Father's Day
May 31 - Independence Day
July 31 - Back to school
Sept 16 - Halloween
Sept 30 - Thanksgiving
Oct 31 - Christmas

Current shipper needs: see here.
Posted by Operation Write Home at 5:41 AM 0 comments
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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Thankful Thursday: February 24, 2011

It was another slow week for our OWH shippers...7390 cards were received and processed. But - we're expecting an influx as the end of the Spring Thaw Challenge nears - be sure to get your box in the mail quickly, they have to be received on or before Monday to get you into the drawing!

Three R's for you this Thursday:

  • Request: If you're sending in AnyHero mail, it should have notes inside it; we aren't in need of blank AnyHero notes. Patriotic cards are fine, but if it says "Thank you for your service" on it, please jot a note inside, thanks!
  • Repeat announcement: Our first OWHtv broadcast is next Thursday, 6:30pm PST - mark your calendar!
  • Reminder: Be sure to sign up for our Email Newsletter list! We've got a new video coming out Tuesday and you won't want to be the last to get the link....it's got music titled "Biker Chicks"....how's that for intriguing!


Thank you to all who sent in cards this week! You ROCK!
  1. Allison G, Ft Worth, TX
  2. Andrea P, Knightdale, NC
  3. Becky N, Elk Grove, CA
  4. Betty T, Salina, KS
  5. Carla M, Mineral Bluff, GA
  6. Charlene C, Sinclair, ME
  7. Christine D, Montvale, NJ
  8. Connie W, Monroe, NC
  9. Dawn J, Caldwell, ID
  10. Debbie L, Fullerton, CA
  11. Dee M, Puyallup, WA
  12. Denise D, Alexandria, LA
  13. Diane C, Los Angeles, CA
  14. Diane S, Raleigh, NC
  15. Donna H, Seekonk, MA
  16. Donna M, Marysville, OH
  17. Edie B, Elmhurst, IL
  18. Esther E, Vancouver, WA
  19. Faye F, Fargo, ND
  20. Gail S, Sacramento, CA
  21. Georgie M, Boardman, OH
  22. Girl Scout Troop #5318 , Brandon, MS
  23. Glenda F, Renton, WA
  24. Harriet L, Vista, CA
  25. Haylee L, Kellyville, OK
  26. Jane H, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
  27. Janice A, Bountiful, UT
  28. Jean D, West Valley City, UT
  29. Jennifer M, Marshfield, WI
  30. Joan F, Worchester, MA
  31. Joanne W, Fort Mill, SC
  32. Joy C, Sandy, UT
  33. Judith M, Hudson, IA
  34. Judy M, Cherry Hill, NJ
  35. Kathy V, Olympia, WA
  36. KellyRae C, Coolidge, AZ
  37. Leslie K, Richmond, VA
  38. Linda L, Fairfax, IA
  39. Linda R, Glenville, NY
  40. Linda S, Denton, TX
  41. Linda S, Denton, TX
  42. LindaLee S and and Fran, Charleston, WV
  43. Lori H and First Baptist Church, Narragansett, RI
  44. Marcia M, Cedar Hill, MO
  45. Margaret G, Stevenson Ranch, CA
  46. Marge M, Wayne, NJ
  47. Marie S, Stockton, NJ
  48. Marjorie E, Brentwood, CA
  49. Maude B, Las Cruces, NM
  50. Michelle R, Boca Raton, FL
  51. Mindy A and Ellicott City Rubber Stamp Club, West Friendship, MD
  52. Moriah M and First Church Unitarian, Stow, MA
  53. Nancy B, Wesley Chapel, FL
  54. Nancy W and Rhonda McQuiston, Belleville, MI
  55. Nicole D and 4-6th grade midweek school students at Bethany Lutheran, Kaukauna, WI
  56. Pam B, Ceylon, MN
  57. Pat J, Woodinville, WA
  58. Pat L and The NYS Comptroller Volunteer Team, Albany, NY
  59. Pat L, Denton, TX
  60. Pat W, Kenmore, WA
  61. Pat Y and Nina S Patti H Pat N, Pleasanton, CA
  62. Patricia F and and friends, Hixson, TN
  63. Penny G, Swall Meadows, CA
  64. Polly R, Peoria, AZ
  65. Rachel P, Marysville, WA
  66. Rhonda Z, Balzac AB, Alberta
  67. Robin M, Rockwood, ME
  68. Sandy N, Eugene, OR
  69. Sharon B, Cahokia, IL
  70. Sharon N and Monroe County Ladies, Waterloo, IA
  71. Sharon R, Tamarac, FL
  72. Sharon R, Tamarac, FL
  73. Shirley S, Columbus, MS
  74. Sue B, Justin, TX
  75. Sue H, Middleton, WI
  76. Sue M, Levittown, PA
  77. Sue S, Hendersonville, TN
  78. Sue S, Papillion, NE
  79. Susan D, Tinley Park, IL
  80. Susan O, Mukilteo, WA
  81. Suzanne B, Myrtle Beach, SC
  82. Teri K, Victorville, CA
  83. Terry P, Beaverton, OR
  84. Trudy A, Anaheim, CA
  85. Unknown S, Chandler, AZ
  86. Veronica B, Oronogo, MD
Posted by Operation Write Home at 4:58 AM 0 comments
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Monday, February 21, 2011

Mailroom Monday: February 21, 2011

"I know my cards are nowhere near as nice as the ones you make but I wanted to tell you "Thank you" personally. Your cards have made my marriage so much stronger, give me the opportunity to send something nice to my wife. My soldiers enjoy it just as much as I do." -CPT K.M., Iraq

Isn't that the nicest sentiment on his card! :) 


This week 14,580 cards were mailed out - at a cost of $567.80! Many thanks to everyone who donates weekly to keep us going :)   


A couple of reminders:

  1. Post office is closed today.
  2. Spring Thaw cards are due next Monday - that means mail on Friday or sooner! Winners will be announced on Wednesday to give our shippers time to process all the last minute mail. (Sending early is really appreciated; we'll have landslides coming in that day!)
  3. Our enewsletter is going to be coming out on the first of March - Be sure to sign up right away! with a cool video entitled "Biker Chicks" informally! lol. Our Facebook fans got to pick the music, just by the title. Maybe next month the OWHtv viewers will help out with the video!
  4. OWHtv? Did I just say OWHtv? Yep! Every Thursday night - more info here!



To  heroes in Afghanistan:
350 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Air Force unit
150 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
45 birthday cards and lots of oreos for a Marine celebrating her 21st birthday :)


To heroes in Iraq:
350 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Air Force unit
150 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit



To heroes at sea:
330 cards to a Navy unit


To heroes in Kuwait:
350 cards to an Army unit
350 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit
330 cards to an Army unit

To heroes in Qatar:
330 cards to an Air Force unit

To heroes in Korea:
330 cards to an Army unit


Other fun statistics:
Number of boxes sent: 2753
Number of hero contacts: 1158
Total cards sent: 851,602


Deadline reminders: 
Feb 10 - St Patricks PASSED
Feb 28 - Spring Thaw Challenge
March 18 - Easter
March 31 - Mother's Day
April 15 - Graduation
May 21 - Father's Day
May 31 - Independence Day
July 31 - Back to school
Sept 16 - Halloween
Sept 30 - Thanksgiving
Oct 31 - Christmas

Current shipper needs: see here.
Posted by Operation Write Home at 5:40 AM 1 comments
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Friday, February 18, 2011

Got time for 2 cards?

Here's a quick opportunity to get the word out about OWH to people with big hearts! The MIKE program is holding a fundraiser event, and asked if OWH would provide cards for their gift-packs for attendees. Our business card will be in each one, and we'll be on their program and other materials too. It's a wonderful chance to be 'seen' by people who are coming to give their money away. *wink* Who knows, there may be future OWH cardmakers and donors in attendance!

To help out, make a BIRTHDAY and a THANK YOU card, and send them WITH ENVELOPES by March 1:
MIKE Program
Box 91194
Portland, OR 97291

Make them your best work to represent us well!, thanks!
Posted by Operation Write Home at 4:29 AM 16 comments

OWH tv....LIVE!

OWH? On television?? DUDE, really??

Okay, not really. Not that kind of tv. It's the internet's version of tv....and it's pretty cool! No webcam or mic is needed by you - you can view it, and if you're there during the live taping, you can chat once you sign up for a free ustream account.




Here are the cards shown, made with the help of the viewers during a test run of ustream:



If you want to join in on our next kicking-the-tires test run, be sure you're home on Saturday, February 19th, 1-3pm PST (that's 4-6pm EST)....you can come for just a short bit, but I'll be hanging out a couple hours and playing with the poll feature that I just installed. You might even get a Copic coloring lesson too. :) Join in the fun!

Posted by Operation Write Home at 1:08 AM 4 comments
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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Thankful Thursday: February 17, 2011

Sorry everyone, but due to computer issues, the Thankful Thursday post will hopefully be done Thursday evening. The computer went to the hospital overnight and is supposed to be back later on Thursday.


Please note that emails will be answered by iphone - which means only the urgent ones. (I only have a 3G and it's ridiculously slow!)


Boo hiss, technology! :(

I'm baaaack! Fortunately it wasn't too long of a time in the computer hospital. :) All better.....in time to tell you our shippers received 10,117 cards in the last week! THANK YOU everyone!! Big hugs all around!

  1. Alex L and Idaho Card Cadets, Boise, ID
  2. Allison G, Ft Worth, TX
  3. Anita G, Columbia, MO
  4. Ann W, Magalia, CA
  5. Anne J, Gering, NE
  6. Anne N, Franklin Park, IL
  7. Barb H, Milton, WI
  8. Barbara R, Big Bear Lake, CA
  9. Betty W and Idaho Card Cadets, Mountain Home, ID
  10. Bev T and Tavern Scrappers, Burgess, VA
  11. Beverly W, Plainville, CT
  12. Carmen Z, Northville, MI
  13. Caro H, Mint Hill, NC
  14. Carol W, Oak Brook, IL
  15. Carolyn B, Gonzales, LA
  16. Cherie C, Tacoma, WA
  17. Cindee N, Harrisburg, PA
  18. Cindy , Huntington Beach, CA
  19. Cindy E, San Jose, CA
  20. Cindy O, Alameda, CA
  21. Claudia R, Manotick, Ontario
  22. Cyndy R, Contoocook, NH
  23. Cynthia A, Rio Rancho, NM
  24. Danyse K, Charlotte, NC
  25. Dawn M, Charlotte, NC
  26. Deanna B and First Baptist Church Women's Ministry Lunch Bunch & Spirited Scrappers, Denton, TX
  27. Debbi M and and Julie O, Sparks NV
  28. Debbie L, Goose Creek, SC
  29. Debby M, Las Cruces, NM
  30. Dee N, Brimley, MI
  31. Dena L, St Cloud, MN
  32. Denise W, Pueblo, CO
  33. Diana B, Cleveland, OH
  34. Diane V, Norfolk, VA
  35. Donna B, Hollidaysburg, PA
  36. Donna S, Sheridan, WY
  37. Donna S, Tucson, AZ
  38. Eileen T, Carsonville, MI
  39. Elaine H, Keene, NH
  40. Ellen P, Vernon Hills, IL
  41. Erin H, Auburn, WA
  42. Esther C, Ferndale, WI
  43. Eydie G, Bonaire, GA
  44. Eydie G, Bonaire, GA
  45. Gail B, Crosby, TX
  46. Ginny H, Calabash, NC
  47. Hannah M, Naples, FL
  48. Helen R, New York, NY
  49. Helen S, San Diego, CA
  50. Jamie B, Flagstaff, AZ
  51. Jan R, Akron, OH
  52. Jane C, Valdosta, GA
  53. Janet P, Lawrence, KS
  54. Janis P and Crazy Croppers, Springfield, MO
  55. Jann L, Milwaukee, WI
  56. Jennifer C, San Francisco, CA
  57. Joan R, Woodland, WA
  58. Joan T, Adkins, TX
  59. Judie F, Coeur d'Alene, ID
  60. Judith M, Hudson, IA
  61. Judy K, Orfordville, WI
  62. Julie H, Tomahawk, WI
  63. K M, Cincinnati, OH
  64. Karen G, Oakland Park, FL
  65. Kathay P, Humble, TX
  66. Kaye D, Indian Trail, NC
  67. Laurel K, Grand Rapids, MI
  68. Lee Mae E, Silverdale, WA
  69. Lesley T, Kirkwood, MO
  70. Lily H, Pittsburgh, PA
  71. Lina W, El Paso, TX
  72. Linda F, Beaverton, OR
  73. Lisa O, Montrose, MI
  74. Lori H, Temecula, CA
  75. Lynn R and Silver Stampers, Rockville, MN
  76. Madonna H, Springfield, VA
  77. Marian C, North Attleboro, MA
  78. Marsha D, Everson, WA
  79. Mary I, Bothell, WA
  80. Mary P and Meadowbrook Christian Church, Mt Vernon, IL
  81. Mary P, Long Beach, MS
  82. Microsoft , Princeton, NJ
  83. Muriel D, San Jose, CA
  84. Naomi Y, Brea, CA
  85. Nicolette S, San Leandro, CA
  86. Pat H and Randolph TWP Women's Club, Randolph, NJ
  87. Patricia W, Keystone Heights, FL
  88. Paula H, Vacherie, LA
  89. Phyllis Z, Lincoln, CA
  90. Reta M, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
  91. Rita A, Nampa, ID
  92. Robin and Stephanie G, New York, NY
  93. Rosie H, Florence, OR
  94. Rosie O, Sun City Center, FL
  95. Ruth F, Riverside, CA
  96. Sally P, Flagstaff, AZ
  97. Sandi G, St Petersburg, FL
  98. Sandra R, Manchester, MO
  99. Sharla V, Topeka, KS
  100. Sharon S, Pahrump, NV
  101. Steffani L, Wilmington, NC
  102. Sue K, Cannon Falls, MN
  103. Susan F and Checkered Cottage, Kirkwood, MO
  104. Susan L, Belle Chasse, LA
  105. Theresa D, Kent, WA
  106. Therese D, Lewiston, ME
  107. Tracy T, Murfreesboro, TN
  108. Tracy Z, Honolulu, HI
  109. Vicki W, Reno, NV
Posted by Operation Write Home at 6:28 AM 1 comments
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Cardmaker interview in local paper!

Cardmaker Yolanda, who blogs at Imagine Make Share, was interviewed in her local newspaper. Click on the image, I hope it's big enough when enlarged so you can read it!
Sorry, blogger won't let me make the image big enough! :( Here is the text:


Poetizing Life: Amazing Card Maker’s Passion Sends Operation Write Home
By: Heather Farrar
Yolanda Derstine works a full time job by day, and becomes a creative card making artist at night, making blank cards for our troops. This card making thing is serious busi- ness with her and one of pas- sion for good reason!
I encourage everyone reading this to get involved, especially if you work with children, as this is a perfect event for them to participate in! Read this following interview to find out more:

Heather: Tell me about your ministry and what motivates you to make the cards?
Yolanda: Operation Write Home is a group made up of thousands of volunteers nation- wide who equip deployed mili- tary troops with handmade blank greeting cards for all occasions that they can use to send home to loved ones. I found the orga- nization on Facebook in May just before my youngest son de- ployed to Iraq. As an Army mom of two soldiers I know how hard it is to let them go and do what they want so badly to do. We’ve spent our lives trying to protect them and now we let them go into what we may view as the worst possible scenario. We can be consumed with worry or we can do something posi- tive with that concern. OWH seemed just the thing to help me deal with his deployment in a positive way. And it turned out to be just what I needed. Now I also volunteer as part of their blog team, helping to organize blog hops throughout the year to inspire our fellow cardmakers with new ideas, tutorials and a place to showcase their work. There are some amazing cards being made.
HF: How many do you make?
YD:I have made over 100 cards a month for Operation Write Home since May—900+ cards. My goal is simply to send a box each month, with no set quantity. So if I make less than 100 I’m fine with that. My one card, plus someone else’s and someone else’s added up to 450,000 cards just this year!
HF: How much time do you spend making them?
YD: I make cards three to four times each week and usu- ally spend two hours crafting per session. Sometimes I’ll do stamped images for cards
ahead of time and pull them out when I’m ready to craft.
HF: Where do you get your inspirations for the cards?
YD: Everywhere! I get a lot of inspiration from different challenge blogs and from Operation Write Home’s very active Facebook page.
HF: What types of materials do you use?
YD: I use a lot of rubber stamps, designer papers and cardstock, A2 envelopes, tape runner, trimmer and assorted embellishments such as stick- ers and buttons.
HF: When you are finished making them, how do you distribute them?
YD: OWH has a designated shipper for each region of the country. I send my cards to the shipper in Kansas and she sends them to troops who have requested our cards. They may be in Iraq, Afghanistan, on a ship at sea, in Kuwait—any warzone in which our troops are serving. They are sent to re- questers in all branches of the military and a few are sent to ci- vilian contractors serving along- side our troops. Adults would be welcome to write thanks on any greeting card and I would see that they shipped. Donations may be made to help with ship- ping at http://operationwrite- home.org/donate.html
HF: What final thoughts would you like add?
YD: Operation Write Home card makers are a vibrant and welcoming online community that honors our military and encourages their families. Our troops deserve our thanks for the sacrifices they make for our country, the inconveniences they endure and most of all for their willingness to put their lives in danger for the sake of our nation. It’s a little thing I can do to make their load lighter and help keep their families strong dur- ing the lengthy separations they face.

I invite any and all kids to check out the coloring sheets for scout troops at:
http://operationwritehome.org/coloringpages.html
and send in their sheets to: OWR Coloring Sheets, PO BOX 786, Warrenton, MO 63383*
(Absolutely no glitter allowed for the troops’ safety.)
Kids’ notes are especially encouraging!
The following sites are for more information for kids and adults:
http://operationwritehome.org/coloringpages.html
http://operationwritehome.org/anyhero.html
http://operationwritehome.org/schools-scouts.html
If you would like to donate materials please contact me here at heather@quillsongs.com.


*This address is for Yolanda collecting from her community. Please continue to send your cards to our shippers, thanks.
Posted by Operation Write Home at 7:27 AM 4 comments
Labels:

Cardmaker interview in local paper!

Cardmaker Yolanda, who blogs at Imagine Make Share, was interviewed in her local newspaper. Click on the image, I hope it's big enough when enlarged so you can read it!
Posted by Operation Write Home at 7:27 AM 0 comments
Labels:

Monday, February 14, 2011

Mailroom Monday: February 14, 2011

Happy Valentines Day! Did you see all the photos of the cookies and cards from our Valentines challenge with Archway Cookies yesterday? What fun to know that not only did we get so many valentines - we were helping to get some sweets out to our heroes too!

Here are a few reminders - we've got so much going on at OWH, we want to be sure you don't miss out!

  • Bloghop signups started this weekend!
  • Did you get your receipt for 2010? Email if not!
  • Seminar participants, read this note!
  • Blog skip - check it out!
  • Facebook page: EWW! They upgraded us and made a mess of things! :( If you aren't a facebooker but used to peek, you might see a big 'nothing' now. Instead, you can keep up with what we post by looking at our twitter feed instead. (No account required.)


This week 9475 cards were mailed out - at a cost of $362.60! Many thanks to everyone who has donated to keep these weekly costs covered!



To  heroes in Afghanistan:
335 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to a Navy unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to a USO unit
335 cards to a mixed unit
335 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to a Navy unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Marine unit
340 cards to a USO unit
335 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Contractor unit
335 cards to an Air Force unit



To heroes in Iraq:
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to a Navy unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
340 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit



To heroes at sea:
335 cards to a Navy unit


To heroes in Kuwait:
335 cards to a Navy unit







Other fun statistics:
Number of boxes sent: 2707
Number of hero contacts: 1151
Total cards sent: 837,022


Deadline reminders: 
Feb 10 - St Patricks PASSED
Feb 28 - Spring Thaw Challenge
March 18 - Easter
March 31 - Mother's Day
April 15 - Graduation
May 21 - Father's Day
May 31 - Independence Day
July 31 - Back to school
Sept 16 - Halloween
Sept 30 - Thanksgiving
Oct 31 - Christmas

Current shipper needs: see here.
Posted by Operation Write Home at 3:45 AM 0 comments
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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Happy Valentines Day!

Do you remember our challenge back in the fall, gathering 8912 Valentines to go along with thousands of cookies? Here are photos of the cookie landings across Afghanistan and Iraq! And we're hearing from family members on Facebook that the Valentines are making their way back home...hooah!

Packs of 50 valentines to go in each box of Archway cookies!
Heading over to Lance (Archway) HQ

Lance Corporate HQ, Charlotte NC

Dropping off the cards to pack up with the cookies



Cookies received in Afghanistan!

Smiling happy cookie recipient, Afghanistan
One happy unit of Marines,  Afghanistan
A few of the thank you notes received about the cookies....
Thank you for the boxes of Valentine’s Day cards! We also received your box of cookies – everyone enjoyed these cookies! Thank you for continuing to provide us with the beautiful handmade cards. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Happy New Year! I received the cookies but they went so fast I didn't have time to get my camera out!  
THANK SO MUCH......we appreciate the cards and cookies!
Thank you so much for the new box of cards. I get so many wonderful comments on how beautiful and thoughtful each card is. You all do amazing work! We also received the Valentine's Day cards and a box full of cookies, what a nice surprise! I hope you had a great holiday. Thanks again for your support!
Once again, many thanks to Archway Cookies for joining us in supporting our heroes!
Posted by Operation Write Home at 1:18 AM 2 comments

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Thankful Thursday: February 10, 2011

It's been so nice to see cards picking up again - 10,682 cards arrived and are being processed by our shippers! We always see a nice uptick on a holiday deadline - and today's the St Patrick's Day card deadline.

Reminder: This Saturday we have a few things coming up for you:

Bloghop signups start on SATURDAY - click to sign up!
BlogSKIP takes place on Saturday at 10am EST - go to the Stars and Stamps blog to start!
Seminar card submissions begin on Saturday! Polish up your favorite card and take an extranice photo so you're ready, and look on S&S for instructions for submssion!

And now....thanks to everyone who's provided such beautiful cards for our heroes!!
  1. Andrea M, Ithaca, NY
  2. Anita M, Sharon Springs, KS
  3. Ann L, Orem, UT
  4. Ann M and Ladies of Park Towers, Hutchinson, MN
  5. Annette S, Gansevoort, NY
  6. April W and Local Girl Scout Troop, Larwill, IN
  7. Ariane W and CHALK Homeschool, Seymour, CT
  8. Barbara C, Lunenberg, MA
  9. Barbara M, Bellflower, CA
  10. Becky S, Cottage Grove, MN
  11. Ben V and children at Rolling Meadows Elementary, West Valley City, UT
  12. Bernie R, Stewartville, MN
  13. Carla M, Mineral Bluff, GA
  14. Caro H, Mint Hill, NC
  15. Carol K, Binghamton, NY
  16. Carol W and friends, San Jose, CA
  17. Cheryl B, Manchester, NH
  18. Chris F, Monument, CO
  19. Cindy J, Greenacres, FL
  20. Cora J, Eugene, OR
  21. Cynthia A, Rio Rancho, NM
  22. Debbie L, Fullerton, CA
  23. Debbie S and and Wanda, Gastonia, NC
  24. Dee M, Puyallup, WA
  25. Dee N, Brimley, MI
  26. Deloris M, Centralia, WA
  27. Denise D, St Clair, MN
  28. Denise E and Tami G., Versailles, OH
  29. Denise I, Williamsville, NY
  30. Diane C, Bonney Lake, WA
  31. Frances S, Silverdale, WA
  32. Gladys A, Sherburne, NY
  33. Guldara K, Coeur d'Alene, ID
  34. Helen S, San Diego, CA
  35. Janet J, Newport News,, VA
  36. Janine D, Wind Lake, WI
  37. Jean B, Meadville, PA
  38. Jennifer C, Blanchester, OH
  39. Jill B, Hamburg, PA
  40. Jodi E, Mesquite, NV
  41. Joyce F and and friends, Granite Bay, CA
  42. Joyce K, Balto, MD
  43. Judith M, Hudson, IA
  44. Judy W and We Get a Kick out of Precious Moments Club, Oak Creek, WI
  45. Juliana A, Fairbanks, AK
  46. Julie T, Fort Lupton, CO
  47. Kaki D and Scrappin' Yats!, Lacombe, LA
  48. Karen L, Wasilla, AK
  49. Kathi C, Hockessin, DE
  50. Kathleen R, Rio Linda, C
  51. Kathy V, Olympia, WA
  52. Kaye D, Indian Trail, NC
  53. Kristen H, Palatine, IL
  54. Kristyn C, Lafayette, GA
  55. Laura C, Park Rapids, MN
  56. LeAnn M, St Paul, MN
  57. Leslie T, Willoughby Hills, OH
  58. Lily H, Pittsburgh, PA
  59. Linda B and and Fran, Mad Hatters of Historic Village of Old Bridge, East Brunswick, NJ
  60. Linda K, Grant, MI
  61. Linda P, Madison, OH
  62. Lindy C, Seattle, WA
  63. Lisa S, Jacksonville, FL
  64. Lora B, Columbia, MO
  65. Lorraine C, Winchester, VA
  66. Lorrie H, Cincinnati, OH
  67. Marcia G, Seminole, FL
  68. Margaret G, Stevenson Ranch, CA
  69. Marge D and State Farm Claims Office, Vicksburg, MI
  70. Marietta W, Akron, IA
  71. Marsha L, Sheffield, OH
  72. MaryAnn B, Brigham City, UT
  73. MaryAnn S, Fontana, CA
  74. Melinda B, Tulare, CA
  75. Michelle M, Gaithersburg, MD
  76. Michensey H, Olathe, KS
  77. Ms W, Sherman, IL
  78. Nanette B and Pikes Peak Sunday Stampers, Colorado Springs, CO
  79. Natalie M, Pingree, ID
  80. Nikki S, Cuba, MO
  81. Pam D and and family and friends, Durham, NC
  82. Pamela L, Mineral Bluff, GA
  83. Paula P, Rathdrum, ID
  84. Paula S, Stamford, CT
  85. Pegg T, Ossineke, MI
  86. Penny J and Red Hat Chapter & 3rd graders, Arlington, TX
  87. Polly P, St Paul, MN
  88. Roberta O, Lafayette, IN
  89. Robin and Stephanie G, New York, NY
  90. Rosalie R, Macomb, MI
  91. Rosey R, Astoria, NY
  92. Sandra G, Hillsboro, OR
  93. Sherry V, Canal Fulton, OH
  94. Shirley F, Defiance, MO
  95. Stacie M and 4th graders at Baker Elem. School, Upper St. Clair, PA
  96. Sue A, Rockford, IL
  97. Susan A, Indian Trail, NC
  98. Susan S, Simpsonville, SC
  99. Susan T, Cypress, TX
  100. Sybrina K, Pickerington, OH
  101. Terri and Bob S, Lafayette, IN
  102. Terri R, Vernon Hills, IL
  103. Valerie R, Ventura, CA
  104. Velda S, Mesquite, NV
Posted by Operation Write Home at 3:55 AM 0 comments
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Monday, February 7, 2011

Mailroom Monday: February 7, 2011

This week 7210 cards were mailed out - at a cost of $291.85!

We've also begun sending them out with these very cool labels on them. Units know immediately what's in the boxes - we've even heard of a contact who was called into the commanding officer's office to open it in front of him....probably because he knew what was inside, from how the box was marked. ("Dibs!")

"But I thought I already saw boxes with OWH on them?" you ask. Yes, we've labeled them, but our shippers have had to use ink and paper and tape - these are self-adhesive labels we've just had printed! Lots of labor-and-cost savings. Hooah!



To  heroes in Afghanistan:
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Air Force unit
335 cards to an Air Force unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
150 cards to an Army unit
150 cards to an Navy unit
150 cards to an Army unit


To heroes in Iraq:
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Air Force unit
335 cards to an Air Force unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
335 cards to an Army unit
150 cards to an Army unit
150 cards to an Navy unit
150 cards to an Army unit



To heroes in Korea:
335 cards to an Army unit


To heroes in Kuwait:







Other fun statistics:
Number of boxes sent: 2679
Number of hero contacts: 1145
Total cards sent: 827,547


Deadline reminders:

Jan 7 - Valentines PASSED
Feb 10 - St Patricks THIS WEEK! Hurry!
Feb 28 - Spring Thaw Challenge
March 18 - Easter
March 31 - Mother's Day
April 15 - Graduation
May 21 - Father's Day
May 31 - Independence Day
July 31 - Back to school
Sept 16 - Halloween
Sept 30 - Thanksgiving
Oct 31 - Christmas

Current shipper needs: see here.
Posted by Operation Write Home at 3:48 AM 0 comments
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Saturday, February 5, 2011

Ribbon lovers: Enabler alert!

We're so excited to share this with you all....if you're a ribbonaholic, and we know there are a few of you out there....Sharon at The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store is offering OWHers a 15% discount on ribbon by the spool throughout February!!!

Note that the store is on a blog; items can be seen in individual blog posts and on pages accessed by tabs above the blog header (to see all ribbon in one place, click here). All ribbon by the spool will be at 15% off the price listed for OWHers.

To place an order, email Sharon at ssj@up.net with a list of items wanted. Important: to get the discount, in the SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL, type OWH ORDER FEB 2011. Please also provide your city/state (and country if you're not in the U.S.) to allow for shipping calculations.


Happy shopping!
Posted by Operation Write Home at 8:06 AM 2 comments

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Thankful Thursday: February 3, 2011

This week our shippers received and processed 6,095 cards - many thanks to you all! We can use LOTS more for all the waiting units...so if you've got cardmaking friends that haven't yet heard about our heroes' needs - this is a great time to send out some emails and invite them to join us!



Note: We're emailing receipts for each donation right away now, instead of just an email saying your cards arrived. Not getting that email? Send an email to your shipper and confirm your email address! We've also already sent out 2010 year-end total receipts; email us if you did not get yours.


  1. Anita G, Columbia, MO
  2. Barb G, Greensboro, GA
  3. Barbara M, Bellflower, CA
  4. Barbara N and Apple Valley Painters, Chambersburg, PA
  5. Barbara S, New Castle, DE
  6. Becca S, Dana, IL
  7. Bev C, Sequim, WA
  8. Carol P, Prairie Village, KS
  9. Caroline M, Battle Ground, IN
  10. Celina S, Humble, TX
  11. Cheryl Y, South Pasadena, CA
  12. Cindy F, Blue Mounds, WI
  13. Cindy M, Normal, IL
  14. Cindy M, Pewaukee, WI
  15. Debi K, Milton, WA
  16. Debora Q, Blairsville, GA
  17. Debra B and Girl Scout Troop 1243, Stephentown, NY
  18. Diana K, Denton, TX
  19. Diane C and Glenmoor Retirement Community, St. Augustine, FL
  20. Dolores A, Frederick, MD
  21. Donna B, Hollidaysburg, PA
  22. Dot F, Culpepper, VA
  23. Frances S, Silverdale, WA
  24. Heather G, San Clemente, CA
  25. Jacqueline E, Orangeburg, SC
  26. Jan H, Parker, AZ
  27. Janet C, Kennedale, TX
  28. Jessica W, Pinellas Park, FL
  29. Joanne A, Mountain Top, PA
  30. Judith M, Hudson, IA
  31. Judy K, Orfordville, WI
  32. Kay C, Minnetonka, MN
  33. Kris B, Athens, GA
  34. Laurie J, Houston, TX
  35. Lina W, El Paso, TX
  36. Linda B, Burien, WA
  37. Linda S, Denton, TX
  38. Marian C, North Attleboro, MA
  39. Martha C, Zepherhills, FL
  40. Maude B, Las Cruces, NM
  41. Meredith T, Zephyrhills, FL
  42. Mindy A and Ellicott City Rubber Stampers, West Friendship, MD
  43. Muriel D, San Jose, CA
  44. Nancy C, Hollister, CA
  45. Nancy F, Trexlertown, PA
  46. Nancy H and Stamp 4 Joy - St. John's Church, Fallston, MD
  47. Nancy M, Fremont, CA
  48. Nancy W, Mesa, AZ
  49. Pamela B, Newport News, VA
  50. Pat K, West Richland, WA
  51. Pat L and NYS Office of the Comptroller Volunteer Team, Albany, NY
  52. Pat T, Mansfield, TX
  53. Pia R, Wilmington, MA
  54. Robin and Stephanie G, New York, NY
  55. RuthAnn G, Gilbert, AZ
  56. Sharon B, Cahokia, IL
  57. Shelley A, Sacramento, CA
  58. Sherry H, Arlington, VA
  59. Sherry M and and Dona and Millersburg Elementary School, Millersburg, OH
  60. Stefanie P, Staunton, VA
  61. Suzanne B, Myrtle Beach, SC
  62. Tanya K, Fulton, NY
  63. Tracy Z, Honolulu, HI
  64. Valerie M, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
  65. Yolanda D, Warrenton, MO
Posted by Operation Write Home at 3:13 AM 0 comments
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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Annual Review of 2010: State by state rankings

Did you see our brand-new Annual Review page of our website, available in the "About us" section? There's a great new video, downloadable pdf, and infographic - lots of great info!

Many of you like to keep track of your state's rank year by year......here's the breakdown! Go find more cardmakers in your area and raise your ranking in 2011!


  1. CA 50,890
  2. WA 31,121
  3. TX 27,537
  4. IL 25,652
  5. NY 24,574
  6. PA 21,982
  7. OH 21,277
  8. MO 21,045
  9. NC 20,978
  10. MN 20,888
  11. FL 18,951
  12. MI 18,896
  13. WI 17,809
  14. AZ 15,102
  15. VA 13,108
  16. IN 12,915
  17. CT 11,836
  18. CO 11,653
  19. IA 10,165
  20. TN 9,811
  21. GA 9,397
  22. MD 8,856
  23. UT 8,310
  24. NJ 7,715
  25. NV 6,679
  26. ID 6,582
  27. NH 6,192
  28. OR 5,096
  29. KS 4,949
  30. MA 4,935
  31. SC 4,848
  32. NE 4,688
  33. LA 4,677
  34. OK 3,410
  35. KY 3,328
  36. AL 3,101
  37. ME 2,783
  38. AR 2,271
  39. NM 2,165
  40. WV 1,634
  41. ND 1,556
  42. RI 1,379
  43. MS 1,295
  44. HI 1,125
  45. AK 988
  46. SD 962
  47. DE 547
  48. MT 383
  49. VT 336
  50. WY 253
  51. Wash. DC 143
International stampers sent in 2,570 cards!
Posted by Operation Write Home at 2:56 AM 8 comments
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