Saturday, April 30, 2011

PR Team

Are you interested in helping spread the word about OWH? We've got a new email list we're gathering for those who would like to help out in this way.

What would I have to do?
You'll need to be willing to do a little research - figuring out the stations and papers in your area that would be most likely to do a story on OWH, finding out who the editors/producers are, and pitching the story to them. We'll provide you with the resources you need - and help in confirming that you've found the right person.

What will I be sending them?
We'll provide a press release, any email templates you'll need, and a phone script if applicable, so you'll be well equipped to send the right info to the contacts.

How do I sign up?
Edit your email list preferences and add "PR Team" to the lists you're on. We'll send info out through that list, and give you all the info you need.

What if I change my mind?
No harm, no foul! If you find that PR isn't your cup of tea, no problem at all. You can unsubscribe from the PR Team email list anytime.

Thanks for all you do for our heroes!
Posted by Operation Write Home at 4:30 AM 0 comments

Friday, April 29, 2011

Special Mission: Welcome Home Hero cards

We've been asked to provide 201 "Welcome Home" cards for a unit returning in June from a year long deployment in Iraq. These are needed quickly, so we're aiming to collect them at our Washington location by May 15th. Please write your thank-you or welcome home note inside, just like in an AnyHero note.

Be sure to mark them clearly as "Welcome Home Mission" cards, so they don't end up in an AnyHero card pile :)

Leave a comment here with how many you're committing to do, so we know if we need to keep posting and recruiting assistance!
Posted by Operation Write Home at 9:00 AM 28 comments

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Thankful Thursday: April 28, 2011

This week our shippers received, processed, stamped, tucked, and sorted 8,220 cards! WooHOO! Keep those cards and letters coming....we're on the way to our one million milestone!

All our shippers are still in need of Father's Day and Dad cards - the latter are more flexible, since "Love you Dad" cards work for the holiday, or our heroes can write home on them anytime. Thanks for helping us get them cards to honor their Pop this year!

*a side note: some of the stamp club names on this week's list are a hoot! Are you part of a stamp group? Have you named yourselves?


Don't forget OWHtv tonight! Can we get to 100 viewers watching and chatting live? We have a TON of hero mail to read, and some crazycute kids mail :)

  1. Angela R and Stamp till ya Cramp Group, Lisbon, ND
  2. Angela V, Spicewood, TX
  3. Anita K, Omaha, NE
  4. Anita O, SHell Lake, WI
  5. Annette S, Gansevoort, NY
  6. Barb B, St Louis Park, MN
  7. Barbara M and South Carroll High School, Sykesville, MD
  8. Betty B, Alton, IL
  9. Caro H, Mint Hill, NC
  10. Cheryl V, Lathrop, CA
  11. Cindy E, San Jose, CA
  12. Courtney I, Seattle, Wa
  13. Danielle A, Houston, TX
  14. Debbie D, Oregon City, OR
  15. Debbie L, Fullerton, CA
  16. Debby M, Las Cruces, NM
  17. Dee C, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
  18. Elizabeth J, Moreno Valley, CA
  19. Emily R, Cave City, KY
  20. Esther E, Vancouver, WA
  21. Frances S, Silverdale, WA
  22. Francine D, Spanaway, WA
  23. Gail S and Stampers Corner, Sacramento, CA
  24. Gloria G and Card-makin Cuties, Fairland, IN
  25. Harriet L, Vista, CA
  26. Jan S, Henderson, NV
  27. Janelle T and Ashley, Cloverdale, CA
  28. Janice J and Hill Country Stampers, Junction, TX
  29. Jean B, Meadville, PA
  30. Jessica W, Pinellas Park, FL
  31. John V, Reading, PA
  32. Judith M, Hudson, IA
  33. K M and University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
  34. Kathay P, Humble, TX
  35. Kaye D, Indian Trail, NC
  36. Laura O, Cottontown, TN
  37. Laurie W and Boys and Girls Club, Evans, GA
  38. Lina W, El Paso, TX
  39. Linda M and Lodi M and M's, Herald, CA
  40. Lindy C, Seattle, WA
  41. Lori W, Katy, TX
  42. Marcia M and Ladies of Hope, Cedar Hill, MO
  43. Margaret M, Youngstown, OH
  44. Marge M, Wayne, NJ
  45. Marian C, North Attleboro, MA
  46. Marietta W, Akron, IA
  47. Marjorie S, Beaumont, CA
  48. Mary Jane S, Columbus, OH
  49. Mary P and Meadowbrook Christian Church, Mt Vernon, IL
  50. Maryanne F and Cove Church, Woodbridge, VA
  51. Mindy A and Ellicott City Rubber Stampers, West Friendship, MD
  52. Missionfish donors
  53. My Favorite Things Stamps 
  54. Nancy F, Trexlertown, PA
  55. Nancy W and Sharon and Rhonda, Belleville, MI
  56. Pat H, Kent, WA
  57. Pat K, West Richland, WA
  58. Patricia S and Frontier Pioneers, Spencerport, NY
  59. Patricia W, Keystone Heights, FL
  60. Paula S, Stamford, CT
  61. Polly R and Peoria Curves Crop, Peoria, AZ
  62. Robin and Stephanie G, New York, NY
  63. Sandra F, Irvine, CA
  64. Sandra G, Hillsboro, OR
  65. Sharon B, Cahokia, IL
  66. Sharon N and Monroe County Ladies3, Waterloo, IA
  67. Sue A, Rockford, IL
  68. Sue K, Cannon Falls, MN
  69. Sue S, Kansas City, MO
  70. Susan A, Indian Trail, NC
  71. Tami P and swapping friends, Vancouver, WA
  72. Treece M, Huntsville, AL
  73. Velda S, Mesquite, NV
Posted by Operation Write Home at 5:14 AM 0 comments
Labels:

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Charity Auction to benefit OWH

La Moda Lisa is currently holding a tuxedo jacket fundraiser, with the proceeds going to various charities. There are 16 jackets that were each created by a different artist with a particular charity in mind, and OWH was chosen as one. Those interested can place bids in their store, by phone or by email until May 19th, and the highest bidder wins the jacket. On this date the winners will be announced at an in-store Open House event where there will also be storewide sales on merchandise. The artist will receive 55% of the sale and the charity of their choice will receive 45% of the proceeds.

All are invited to visit the store anytime on or before May 19th to view the jacket created in support of your charity. La Moda Lisa is a new consignment shop located in a 6,ooo sq. ft. barn on Saratoga Road in Glenville, NY.

Go to the La Moda Lisa Facebook page where there is an album with photos of all the jackets. Bids can be made in the store, by phone at 518-280-1595 or by email at lisadurand@me.com.

Many thanks to cardmaker Debb R who created this beautiful jacket to benefit OWH!



Posted by Operation Write Home at 7:02 AM 1 comments

Monday, April 25, 2011

Mailroom Monday: April 25, 2011

This week 13,216 cards were mailed out - at a cost of $522.95! That's 41 boxes between all our shippers! We don't have much further to go til we pass ONE MILLION CARDS! Do you have a package of cards to send in to help us make that milestone quickly??  


To  heroes in Afghanistan:
155 cards to an Army unit
155 cards to a Navy unit
338 cards to an Army unit
338 cards to an Air Force unit
338 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to a Marine unit
337 cards to a USO
337 cards to a Navy unit
337 cards to an Air Force unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Air Force unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to a Marine unit
345 cards to an Air Force unit
345 cards to an Air Force unit
345 cards to an Navy unit
345 cards to an Air Force unit
345 cards to an Army unit
175 cards to an Army unit
338 cards to Marine unit


To heroes in Iraq:
338 cards to an Army unit
338 cards to an Army unit
338 cards to an Army unit
338 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
347 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Army unit
337 cards to an Air Force unit
337 cards to an Army unit
345 cards to an Air Force unit
175 cards to an Army unit



To heroes in Kyrgyzstan:
350 cards to an Air Force unit



To heroes in Kuwait:
337 cards to an Army unit





Other fun statistics:
Number of boxes sent: 3,086
Number of hero contacts: 1,250
Total cards sent: 958,992


Deadline reminders:  Calendar is here
March 31 - Mother's Day PASSED
April 15 - Graduation PASSED
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 4:41 AM 0 comments
Labels:

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Operation Write Home Delivers

This is an article appearing in the Western Area Update, a publication of the USPS! Many thanks to Ernie Swanson for writing us up. (The interview was months ago, so the 750,000 is an old number. We're passing a million in just a couple weeks!)

Operation Write Home Delivers: 750,000 cards sent 
If you have a loved one or a friend stationed overseas, you know how much they appreciate greeting cards and letters sent from home. 
And there's no shortage of agencies and organizations that send cards, letters and packages through the mail to them. 
But, until recently, there was no one to help military personnel return the favor, to send cards back home to family and friends. Those engaged in military operations have little or not opportunity to pick up holiday or seasonal cards to keep in touch with family members. 
In 2007, Sandy Allnock heard a story about a woman in Texas who sent a box of greeting cards to her son so he and his fellow soldiers could send greetings home. 
"It was pretty much an accident that got me started on this," Allnock said. "I contacted many of my friends and we decided to start something." 
Allnock set up an organization called "Cards for Heroes," which was later changed to "Operation Write Home."  
"We decided not to use store-bought cards, but rather rely on the creative skills of people who could make their own hand-made cards," she said. "We have thousands of volunteers around the country who make the cards and send them to us for packaging and mailing to the troops." 
Operation Write Home's slogan is "Helping heroes keep in touch with home." 
Allnock lives and works in Federal Way, WA. About 40 percent of the cards are mailed from the Twin Lakes Branch Post Office in Federal Way. Another 30 percent are mailed each from Charlotte, NC and from Olathe, KS. 
"We love the Postal Service," Allnock said. "We use the Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and get the $2 discount for mailing to military personnel. The free shipping containers help to keep our costs down." 
Each shipment also includes some "hero mail," letters addressed to military personnel thanking them for service to their country. 
Last year Operation Write Home sent about 1,440 boxes of greeting cards overseas. Each box contains 325 to 350 cards. Donations come in from around the country to pay for postage, which amounted to more than $18,000 last year. The organization has a webpage and also relies on social media to get the word out about their efforts.
Posted by Operation Write Home at 3:27 PM 3 comments
Labels:

Friday, April 22, 2011

Scrappers: need your opinion

This is a non-OWH-related question (scrapping-related, not cardmaking), but I reallllllly value the experience of all of our crafters....so please do me a favor and weigh in with your thoughts. Thanks!! -Sandy

I'm doing a little research for a project, and need some help determining what would make a good scrapbook kit. Not a card kit. I'm consulting on a project for someone, and am coming to the crafty experts I know: YOU!
NOTE: I am not starting a scrapbook company (I have enough to do with OWH!), and this post has nothing to do with scrapping OWH. I am also NOT making anything off this consulting gig, and this is not for any scrapping manufacturer. If the project happens later, I'll tell you all about it - for now, I'm just doing research. You'd love what it's for, but I can't tell you that yet!

A lot of folks on our Facebook poll the other day said they'd bought a lot of kits that included a lot of papers/items that they'd never use, so they now shied away from kits and just purchased things specific to their needs. But I'd like to figure out if there's something that would be helpful. 

    I'd love the opinions of those who might be interested in scrapping something specific.....a kit for pages about an event or experience that you can't find materials for elsewhere. The kit would be all-inclusive, so you wouldn't need to purchase other materials for pages, but could always supplement from your stash. Some of the types of specific scrapping topics could be things like these below, though these are NOT part of the project I'm researching. I don't want to color your opinions with specifics of my idea, but these are the kinds of scrappy projects you might think of when answering the questions at the end.

    • an event like a vacation cruise, including papers and stickers specific to, perhaps, the cruise line
    • an uncommon hobby or pasttime, like whittling or bottlecap collecting - so it would include papers and embellishments to highlight those passions
    • a faraway place/event that you were not part of, but were touched by - World Cup that your hubby obsessively watched on tv; natural disaster that touched your heart and you wanted to remember; your adopted child's home country
    • a personal perspective that you want to journal, perhaps your feelings on an issue, or the impact someone had on your life - pages would guide the journalling by prompting with questions to complete, photo ideas, etc.

    Perhaps some of you have wanted to scrap things like this, and wished materials were available.

    Please leave a comment with your responses to as many of these as you have opinions on. You might want to copy/paste the questions into the comment box.

    1. Have you ever bought scrapbook kits? (not card kits)
    2. If yes, how much was in them?
      Enough for how many pages?
      What did it cost (approx)?
    3. Would you purchase a kit for something specific, like the examples provided above?
    4. What would you pay for a quality kit that had enough papers, stickers, and embellishments for about 5 or 6 pages?
    Thanks so much for your input, ladies....I appreciate the input! Feel free to link to this post in scrappy forums to see if your scrappy friends (not necessarily cardmaking buddies) want to weigh in too. 
      Posted by Operation Write Home at 7:40 AM 18 comments

      Thursday, April 21, 2011

      Thankful Thursday: April 21, 2011


      This week our shippers processed 7,680 cards! Woohoo our cardmakers ROCK! Keep on with the Dad cards - we'll be needing them for our boxes....if they say "Dad" or "Father" but not "Father's Day", they're the most flexible for both our shippers and for our heroes.

      See you at the OWHtv show tonight - 6:30pm Pacific on our Ustream channel! 

      The card pictured here was made for our shippers - how cool is this! Click on the photo to see the detail in creating those OWH boxes :)
      Many thanks to all of YOU who make the cards!!! Here's our list of incredible people this week:


      1. Adele S, Woodland Hills, CA
      2. Allison G and Ft Worth Country Day School, Ft Worth, TX
      3. Anne N, Franklin Park, IL
      4. Barb J, Kent, WA
      5. Becky Y and Fran M., Ripley, WV
      6. Brenda K, Lawrenceville, GA
      7. Caro H, Mint Hill, NC
      8. Carol B, Saint Louis, MO
      9. Carole S, Deland, FL
      10. Christy K, Pearl City, HI
      11. Cindy B, Dearborn Heights, MI
      12. Crystal E, Chesapeake, VA
      13. Dana M, Blythewood, SC
      14. Danyse K, Charlotte, NC
      15. Debbie D, Oregon City, OR
      16. Diana K and Sassy Stampers, Denton, TX
      17. Dolores A, Frederick, MD
      18. Elaine H, Keene, NH
      19. Frances M, Evans, WV
      20. Frances S, Silverdale, WA
      21. Gwen S, Cedar HIll, MO
      22. Ingrid C, Franklin, MA
      23. Jaimie O, Indian Head, MD
      24. Jay H, Grants Pass, OR
      25. Jennifer V and The Stamp Addict staff and customers, San Diego, CA
      26. Jess and Sandy C, Beloit, WI
      27. Jill C and grandkids Chris and Jaclyn, Pottstown, PA
      28. Judith M, Hudson, IA
      29. Julie A, Glenside, PA
      30. Julie M, Hampton, GA
      31. June H, Leesburg, VA
      32. Kaki D and Scrappin Yats, Lacombe, LA
      33. Karen T and Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, Paradise, CA
      34. Karla M, San Diego, CA
      35. Kathleen R, Rio Linda, CA
      36. Kathy B, Atlanta, GA
      37. Kaye D, Indian Trail, NC
      38. Kelly M, Petaluma, CA
      39. Kim K and Hannah, Naomi and Zachary, St Louis, MO
      40. Kristen H, Palatine, IL
      41. Laura J, Albuquerque, NM
      42. Lee B, Dalton, WI
      43. Lily H, Pittsburgh, PA
      44. Lina W, El Paso, TX
      45. Linda H, Milan, IL
      46. Linda J and Lynne S., Hemlock, NY
      47. Lindy C, Seattle, WA
      48. Lori L and Austin Preparatory School, Reading, MA
      49. Lori R, Springfield, VA
      50. Michele A and Sally, Rachel, Anita, Kris, and Pat, Whittier, CA
      51. Michelle B, Louisville, KY
      52. Monica P, Alamogordo, NM
      53. Muriel D, San Jose, CA
      54. Pam L, Pottstown, PA
      55. Pat T, Scottsdale, AZ
      56. Patrick S, Langhorne, PA
      57. Phyllis G, St PauL, MN
      58. Phyllis O, Ojai, CA
      59. Renee N, Bellevue, OH
      60. Resa D, Fort Mill, SC
      61. Rita C, Vancouver, WA
      62. Rosbelie N, Sterling Heights, MI
      63. Sally P, Flagstaff, AZ
      64. Sandra R, Manchester, MO
      65. Sandy D, Hanover, PA
      66. Sandy F and Contoocook Methodist Church, Contoocook, NH
      67. Sandy N, Eugene, OR
      68. Sandy S, Jamestown, NC
      69. Sarah B, Danville, VA
      70. Sharon S, Brooklyn, NY
      71. Sherry H, Arlington, VA
      72. Stefanie P, Staunton, VA
      73. Susan F and Checkered Cottage, Kirkwood, MO
      74. Susan S, Ashburn, VA
      75. SuzAnn H, Salt Lake City, UT
      76. Sybilla G and Eileen G., Gilbertsville, PA
      77. Theresa D and Thomas, Kent, WA
      78. Virginia M, Ft Collins, CO
      79. Westminster Preschool , Evansville, IL
      Posted by Operation Write Home at 4:41 AM 1 comments
      Labels:

      Monday, April 18, 2011

      Mailroom Monday: April 18, 2011

      This week 4,820 cards were mailed out this week - at a cost of $212.35. It was back to a somewhat relaxed week for us, compared to recent shipping totals...a breather after the Mother's Day rush the last few weeks!

      Ciara's got some exciting hopeful news to share with you today! One of our heroes wrote this in an email:
      Send me a little information on the dog and I can submit a
      recommendation to make her an honorary soldier.        
      —CPT C.E.L., Kuwait 
      So she's got herself a little uniform now as  you can see, a birthday gift - so she's ready to roll if she gets this "promotion" to honorary soldier! :)


      To  heroes in Afghanistan:
      170 cards to a USO unit
      350 cards to a Navy unit
      350 cards to a Marine unit
      350 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to a Marine unit


      To heroes in Iraq:
      165 cards to an Army unit
      165 cards to an Army unit
      165 cards to an Army unit
      35 cards to a Civilian Contractor unit
      350 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Air Force 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







      Other fun statistics:
      Number of boxes sent: 3,045
      Number of hero contacts: 1,245
      Total cards sent: 945,770


      Deadline reminders:  Calendar is here
      March 31 - Mother's Day PASSED
      April 15 - Graduation PASSED
      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 4:41 AM 5 comments
      Labels:

      Thursday, April 14, 2011

      Thankful Thursday: April 14, 2011

      It's been a slower week of receiving cards...whew! After the Mother's Day rush, it was a blessing to have time to get all those cards packed up and out! Now we'll begin again, needing lots more cards of all themes for our Father's Day boxes - we'll be needing lots more in the coming month. You all rock!

      Remember for FATHERS DAY CARDS, if some of your cards for pop can just say "Love You Dad" or something, rather than "Happy Father's Day", it gives both our shippers and our heroes flexibility in when they can be used. You all did great on those Mom cards!

      GRAD CARD DEADLINE is this Friday - we already have tons, thank you!

      Tonight's OWHtv is going to include: STICKERS! Our Extreme Card Makeover session will show this beautiful butterfly on a series of cards and give you some ideas....the show is at 6:30 pm, live here on the internet. Here is the show LINK, plus the link to our tv channel is now on our homepage for you if you need to check it out later.

      We're having a BLOG SKIP this weekend featuring stickers! Come to the Stars and Stamps blog Saturday morning, 10am EST, and check out the 10 bloggers who are sharing some creative ideas for using stickers...then show us yours!

      Many many thanks to all these cardmakers who contributed 8242 cards this week!
      1. Amy A, Harrisburg, NC
      2. Angie A, Greenbelt, MD
      3. Anita A, Sharon Springs, KS
      4. Ann A, Bonney Lake, WA
      5. Ann A, Magalia, CA
      6. Anne A, Forrest Hill, New Zealand
      7. Ardeth A, Glendale, AZ
      8. Becky B and students, , Elk Grove, CA
      9. Bev B and Tavern Scrappers, , Burgess, VA
      10. Bonnie B, Manchester, NH
      11. Brenda B, Chesapeake, VA
      12. Carla C, Mineral Bluff, GA
      13. Caro C, Mint Hill, NC
      14. Caro C, Mint Hill, NC
      15. Carol C, Gilbertsville, PA
      16. Carol C, Tampa, FL
      17. Cecile C, North Attleboro, MA
      18. Christina C and Jenifer E, , Coon Rapids, MN
      19. Cindy C and Scrapdragons, , Indianpolis, IN
      20. Cindy C, El Cajon, CA
      21. Connie C, Alta Loma, CA
      22. Deborah D, Kendall PK, NJ
      23. Dee D, Puyallup, WA
      24. Diane D, Floral Park, NY
      25. Donna D, Newington, CT
      26. Donna D, Tucson, AZ
      27. Edie E, Elmhurst, IL
      28. Frances F, Silverdale, WA
      29. Gai G, Dallas, TX
      30. Gail G, Winthrop, MA
      31. Gretchen G and Girl Scout Troop #21682, , Skahopee, MN
      32. Hannah H, Naples, FL
      33. Jan J, Jacksonville, FL
      34. Jane J, Garden Grove, CA
      35. Janis J and Christy S and Crazy Croppers, , Springfield, MO
      36. Jayne J and Colorful Creations, , Hyannis, MA
      37. Jeanne J, St Maries, ID
      38. Jennie J, Waterford, MI
      39. Jennifer J, Ashdown, AR
      40. Jessica J, Saint Charles, MO
      41. Jody J, Chester, VA
      42. Joyce J and WELCA - New Spirit Lutheran, , Tucson, AZ
      43. JPS J, Tampa, FL
      44. Judi J and Lake Ashton Veterans' Association Auxiliary, , Winter Haven, FL
      45. Judie J, Coeur d'Alene, ID
      46. Judith J, Hudson, IA
      47. Judy J, LaPorte, IN
      48. Judy J, Orfordville, WI
      49. Julie J, Buckley, Wa
      50. Karen K and Christian Sisters, , Haslet, TX
      51. Karen K and Madison Mingle, , Schofield, WI
      52. Kathi K, Hockessin, DE
      53. Kathie K, Antigo, WI
      54. Kaye K, Indian Trail, NC
      55. Kim K, Bloomington, IL
      56. Kim K, Palmer, AK
      57. Lee L, Dalton, WI
      58. Lina L, El Paso, TX
      59. Linda L and Fran M., , East Brunswick, NJ
      60. Linda L, Grant, MI
      61. Linda L, Ypsilanti, MI
      62. Lindy L, Seattle, WA
      63. Lisa L and Key Training Center, , Lecanto, FL
      64. Lori L, Elyria, OH
      65. Lori L, Katy, TX
      66. Lori L, Katy, TX
      67. Lori L, Katy, TX
      68. Lori L, North Attleboro, MA
      69. Lori L, Temecula, CA
      70. Madonna M, Springfield, VA
      71. Margaret M, Oakdale, CT
      72. Mary M and The Second Winds-Women's Transition Network, , Flushing, NY
      73. Mary M, Windham, ME
      74. Michelle M, Ft Collins, CO
      75. Missy M, Rapid City, SD
      76. Pat P, West Richland, WA
      77. Patricia P, Lantana, FL
      78. Paula P, Rathdrum, ID
      79. Pegg P and Twin Willows Farm, , Ossineke, MI
      80. Polly P, St Paul, MN
      81. Rachel R, Marysville, WA
      82. Roberta R, Lafayette, IN
      83. Robin and Stephanie R, New York, NY
      84. Rosey R, Astoria, NY
      85. Ruthanne R and Holiday Cardmakers, , Leesburg, FL
      86. Sandy S, Westerville, OH
      87. Shelly S and ISCG, , Royal Oak, MI
      88. Susan S, Tinley Park, IL
      89. Suzanne S, Lacey, WA
      90. Therese T, Lewiston, ME
      Posted by Operation Write Home at 7:45 AM 0 comments
      Labels:

      Monday, April 11, 2011

      Mailroom Monday: April 11, 2011

      Fact of the week: 
      A single USPS register tape 
      for all 54 packages 
      for just this week 
      would be over 5 feet long!! 

      This week 16,027 cards were mailed out - at a cost of $643.00!

      These packages were a mix, mostly the large flat rate boxes, but a few flat rate envelopes of 60 Mother's Day cards for some of our units that we hadn't been able to include in their last shipment, so we played catchup. Many thanks to those who sent in the final Mom cards so we could be sure those units could write home for Mother's Day this year!






      To  heroes in Japan (our first box to Japan!):
      340 cards to an Air Force unit


      To  heroes in Afghanistan:
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Air Force unit
      340 cards to an Air Force unit
      350 cards to an Army unit
      350 cards to an Army unit
      350 cards to a Navy unit
      350 cards to an Army unit
      188 cards to a Marine unit
      188 cards to an Army unit
      188 cards to a Navy unit
      188 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to a Red Cross unit
      340 cards to a USO unit
      340 cards to a Navy unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      60 cards to an Air Force unit
      60 cards to an Army unit
      60 cards to an Air Force unit
      60 cards to an Army unit
      330 cards to an Army unit
      330 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Marines unit
      337 cards to an Army unit
      330 cards to an Army unit
      330 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Army unit
      330 cards to an Air Force unit
      337 cards to an Air Force unit
      337 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to a National Guard unit


      To heroes in Iraq:
      350 cards to an Army unit
      350 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Air Force unit
      340 cards to an unit
      60 cards to an Army unit
      60 cards to a Contractor team
      337 cards to an Army unit
      330 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Army unit



      To heroes at sea:
      340 cards to a Navy unit
      337 cards to a Navy unit


      To heroes in Kuwait:

      350 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to a Navy unit
      330 cards to an Army unit
      337 cards to an Army unit








      Other fun statistics:
      Number of boxes sent: 3,028
      Number of hero contacts: 1,239
      Total cards sent: 940,635


      Deadline reminders:  Calendar is here
      March 31 - Mother's Day PASSED
      April 15 - Graduation - read special notice!
      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 4:40 AM 1 comments
      Labels:

      Thursday, April 7, 2011

      Thankful Thursday: April 7, 2011

      Yowwwwwwsa! Many many many thanks to all of you who sent in 15,478 cards this week! A special thank you to those who helped push us over the top with Mom cards, and those who redirected their packages to Kris to fill her requests from contacts. You ROCK!!

      PS Don't forget the OWHtv show tonight...we're debuting a new segment called "Extreme Card Makeover"....plus we just booked our first guest yesterday!!! (Stay tuned to watch at 6:30pm PST on ustream!

      1. Allyson G, Fort Worth, TX
      2. Amy M, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
      3. Andrea J, St Germain, WI
      4. Angela E, Johnston, IA
      5. Anita A, Turlock, CA
      6. Ann F and Women's Society at First Congregational Church, LaGrange, IL
      7. Ann M, Hutchinson, MN
      8. Anna M, Rockville Centre, NY
      9. Anne B, Forrest Hill, New Zealand
      10. Annie P, Sheridan, IL
      11. Anonymous , Franklin, IN
      12. Barb H, Milton, WI
      13. Barbara H, Memphis, TN
      14. Barbara T and Chelsea Church of Christ, Dexter, MI
      15. Beth L, Howell, MI
      16. Bette G, Melbourne Vic, Australia
      17. Betty T, Salina, KS
      18. Bev T, San Francisco, CA
      19. Bobbi A, Dayton, OH
      20. Brenda F, San Antonio, TX
      21. Brenda R, Richland, MS
      22. Brenda U, katy, TX
      23. Brittany S and Alpha Phi Omega - Elmhurst College, Hoffman Estates, IL
      24. Caro H, Mint Hill, NC
      25. Carole Ann S, The Woodlands, TX
      26. Carole S, DeLand, FL
      27. Cathy B and employees of Colonial Life, Columbia, SC
      28. Charlsie S, Napa, CA
      29. Cheryl V, Lathrop, CA
      30. Christine Z, White Lake, MI
      31. Cindee N, Harrisburg, PA
      32. Cindy F, Blue Mounds, WI
      33. Cindy M, Normal, IL
      34. Cindy M, Pewaukee, WI
      35. Cindy O, Alameda, CA
      36. Clara L, Matthews, NC
      37. Constance J, Bowie, MD
      38. Cora J, Eugene, OR
      39. Dana W and Stamp Tramps, Enid, OK
      40. Dawn P, Pine Hill, NJ
      41. Debbie A, Irvine, CA
      42. Debi K, Milton, WA
      43. Deborah T, Dayton, NJ
      44. Debra R and Glorious Stampers of Kentucky, Winchester, KY
      45. Dee M, Puyallup, WA
      46. Denise G, Bakersfield, CA
      47. Diane B, Edina, MN
      48. Diane B, Forney, TX
      49. DiAnne J, Columbus, OH
      50. Dolores A, Frederick, MD
      51. Don P, Portola, Ca
      52. Donna H, Seekonk, MA
      53. Donna W, Bedford, IN
      54. Dorothy A, Grand Junction, CO
      55. Dorothy B and BAF Women's Ministry, Corpus Christi, TX
      56. Eileen H, Womelsdorf, PA
      57. Elaine H, Keene, NH
      58. Elsie B, Valdese, NC
      59. Erica C, Kenmore, NY
      60. Erin H, Auburn, WA
      61. Esther C, Ferndale, WI
      62. Esther C, Ferndale, WI
      63. Eve U, Houston, TX
      64. Eydie G, Bonaire, GA
      65. Faye F, Fargo, ND
      66. Fohliette B, Apex, NC
      67. Gail S, Elgin, IL
      68. Gayla H and First Methodist Church, Mansfield, LA
      69. Gayle D, St Germain, WI
      70. Hannah F and friends, Bridgeton, MO
      71. Heidi M, Draper, UT
      72. Jan H, Parker, AZ
      73. Jane H, Cuyahoga Falls, OH
      74. Jane L, Midlothian, VA
      75. Janet M, Biddeford, ME
      76. Jann L, Milwaukee, WI
      77. Jean D, West Valley City, UT
      78. Jean M and friends, Mission, TX
      79. Jean S, St Louis Park, MN
      80. Jennifer F, Bohemia, NY
      81. Jennifer L, Rapid City, SD
      82. Jennifer M, Marshfield, WI
      83. Jennifer M, Romeoville, IL
      84. Jeri C and Card making group at Scrapbook Art, Columbus, OH
      85. Jill B, Hamburg, PA
      86. Joan H, High Ridge, MO
      87. Joan J-F, Atlanta, GA
      88. Joanne M, Allentown, PA
      89. Jocelyn G, Romulus, MI
      90. Jody M, Scottsdale, AZ
      91. John V, Reading, PA
      92. Juanita W, Plant City, FL
      93. Judith M, Hudson, IA
      94. Judith T, Cypress, CA
      95. Judy B, Cleburne, TX
      96. Julie M, Hampton, GA
      97. Karen H and Redeemer Lutheran Church, Spotsylvania, VA
      98. Karen H, Monticello, MN
      99. Karen R, Katy, TX
      100. Karyl Ann B, Longmont, CO
      101. Kate M, Bossier City, LA
      102. Kathi C, Hockessin, DE
      103. Kathleen S, Visalia, CA
      104. Kathryn B, Denton, MD
      105. Kaye D, Indian Trail, NC
      106. Kelli L, Hanover, MN
      107. Kim G, San Diego, CA
      108. Kim N, Bloomington, IL
      109. Kristie M, Puyallup, Wa
      110. Kyra S, Aurora, IL
      111. Laurel K, Grand Rapids, MI
      112. Laurie R, Dousman, WI
      113. Laurie W, Evans, GA
      114. LeAnn M, St Paul, MN
      115. Lee Mae E, Silverdale, WA
      116. Lesley T, Kirkwood, MO
      117. Lina W, El Paso, TX
      118. Linda A, Seven Fields, PA
      119. Linda B, Burien, WA
      120. Linda D, Belleville, IL
      121. Linda H, Madison, AL
      122. Linda P, Madison, OH
      123. LindaLee S, Charleston, WV
      124. Lindy C, Seattle, WA
      125. Lisa B, Baltimore, MD
      126. Lisa H and Woodbury Bluebirds 4H, Central Valley, NY
      127. Lisa O, Montrose, MI
      128. Loretta R, Ottawa, Ontario
      129. Lori N and C4 - Capital City Christian Church, Jefferson City, MO
      130. Louise D, Basking Ridge, NJ
      131. Marian C, North Attleboro, MA
      132. Maritza R and Jocelyn W, Richmond, IN
      133. Marlene F and Wendy M, Hillsboro, OR
      134. Marsha D, Everson, WA
      135. Martha B, Santa Rosa, CA
      136. Martie M, Dayton, OH
      137. Mary I, Bothell, WA
      138. Mary S, Denver, PA
      139. Megan W and Dayspring Bible College and WRBBC.org, Decatur, IL
      140. Melanie L, Everett, WA
      141. Michelle B, Plato, MO
      142. Michelle R, Eldersburg, MD
      143. Nan A, Fowlerville, MI
      144. Nancy C, Hollister, CA
      145. Nancy F, Trexlertown, PA
      146. Nanette B and Pikes Peak Sunday Stampers, Colorado Springs, CO
      147. Nanette V and Kathy L, Plover, WI
      148. Nicole B, Richfield, UT
      149. Nicole S, Tampa, FL
      150. Paige G, New Castle, CO
      151. Pamela N, Virginia Beach, VA
      152. Pat D, San Clemente, CA
      153. Pat K, West Richland, WA
      154. Pat M, Hornbeck, LA
      155. Pat S, Attica, IN
      156. Pat T, Mansfield, TX
      157. Patricia G, Lantana, FL
      158. Patricia H, Verona, VA
      159. Penny Z, Bartlett, IL
      160. Phyllis F, Bridgeton, MO
      161. Phyllis M and Church of Christ, St Peters, MO
      162. Polly R, Peoria, AZ
      163. Rebecca S, Munster, IN
      164. Reta M, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
      165. Rhonda W, Loveland, OH
      166. Ronni U, Peoria, AZ
      167. Ruth Ann G, Gilbert, AZ
      168. Ruth G, Bay City, MI
      169. Sally P, Flagstaff, AZ
      170. Sandra B, Neshkoro, WI
      171. Sandra S and Southeast Christian Church Women's Ministry, Salt Lake City, UT
      172. Sandra W, Las Vegas, NV
      173. Sandy L and Cardmaking Parties for Operation Write Home, Dayton, PA
      174. Sandy T, Jackson, MN
      175. Sarah P, Blomkest, MN
      176. Seongsook D, Sacramento, CA
      177. Sharon S, Goodyear, AZ
      178. Sharon S, Pahrump, NV
      179. Sherry H, Arlington, VA
      180. Shirley S, Columbus, MS
      181. Sue K, St Louis, MO
      182. Sue S, Kansas City, MO
      183. Susan A, Indian Trail, NC
      184. Susan F and Checkered Cottage, Kirkwood, MO
      185. Susan L, Evansville, IN
      186. Susan S, Grove City, OH
      187. Susan T, Cypress, TX
      188. Theresa D, Kent, WA
      189. Tonia B and 1st Assembly Scrapbook Life Group, Cedar Rapids, IA
      190. Trish C, Spring Valley, MN
      191. Truist A and Lori B, Marietta GA, New York, NY
      192. UNUM, Chattanooga, TN
      193. Velda S, Mesquite, NV
      194. Verna A, Big Stone City, SD
      195. Virginia B, La Mirada, CA
      196. Virginia N, Hastings, MN
      197. Yolanda D, Warrenton, MO
      198. Yvette R, Auburn, GA
      199. Yvonne B, Salem, OR
      200. Yvonne S, Brighton, MI
      Posted by Operation Write Home at 4:36 AM 0 comments
      Labels:

      Monday, April 4, 2011

      Mailroom Monday: April 4, 2011

      This week 12,408 cards were mailed out - at a cost of $477.15! This kind of total is becoming more and more regular for our shippers as they go to the post office - we have soooooo many cards going out! Especially right now, we're sealing up our boxes with the very last of the Mother's Day cards.....and thinking about just HOW many happy Moms across America we're creating with all of these lovely cards! Thank you to everyone who makes the cards - and donates the shipping money! This is truly a labor of love from all across America....







      Another item of note: 
      In March 2010, we shipped 26,140 cards. In March 2011? 62,266!!!!! That's crazeeeeee! Part of that could be getting a lot of the Mom cards out in March, whereas last year we did a lot of shipping the first week of April. But in anyone's world - that's nutty amounts of cards! :)





      To  heroes in Afghanistan:
      340 cards to an Army unit
      336 cards to an Army unit
      336 cards to an Army unit
      336 cards to an Army unit
      345 cards to a Marine unit
      180 cards to an Army unit
      345 cards to a Marine unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to a Marine unit
      340 cards to an Air Force unit
      340 cards to an Air Force unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to a Marine unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to a Contractor unit
      340 cards to an Army unit
      340 cards to an Air Force unit
      345 cards to an Army unit
      345 cards to an Army unit


      To heroes in Iraq:

      336 cards to an Army unit
      336 cards to an Army unit
      336 cards to a Navy 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
      340 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


      To heroes at sea:
      340 cards to a Navy unit


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

      To heroes in Korea:
      336 cards to an Army unit

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





      Other fun statistics:
      Number of boxes sent: 2,975
      Number of hero contacts: 1,226
      Total cards sent: 924,008


      Deadline reminders:  Calendar is here
      March 31 - Mother's Day PASSED
      April 15 - Graduation *read special note
      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 4:57 AM 8 comments
      Labels:
      Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)