Memorial Day - Helping The Military By Humanitarian Aid

Sewing Centers for Women In Iraq Provide Clothes and Jobs

OK...now that we've established that I have the best job in the world, buying and selling estate jewelry...this Memorial Day I'd like to acknowledge and thank the men and women of the armed services who don't get to do anything so cushy as brandishing bling.

And...I'd like to tell you about Spirit of America, an organization that funds projects that help our military in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa and other locations abroad.

The Mission

Spirit of America's mission is to help Americans serving abroad assist people in need. We respond to requests from American military and civilian personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa for items that will help local people.

Objectives include:
Increase the reach, scale and impact of the informal humanitarian activities that take place on the front lines in troubled regions.
Contribute charitable goods that can have a positive, practical and timely impact in the local communities where American personnel are involved.
Establish connections and strengthen bonds between the American people and those in countries struggling for freedom and democracy.

The Organization:
Spirit of America is a 501c3 nonprofit supported solely through private-sector contributions. We do not receive funding from the government or military. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible.

Here are some of their current projects:

SSG Dale Race in Afghanistan--Farming, Clothing & School Supplies Help Army SSG Race bring much-needed supplies to Kunar Province Valley

SSG Dale Race stationed near Kunar Province Valley Afghanistan contacted SoA to help with the need in this rural area in Northeast area of Afghanistan. SSG Race wrote, "I would like your help with providing basic subsistence items to a few local Afghan farmers and their children in our area of operation in the Kunar province. Most farmers and families lack some of the things we take for granted every day such as fresh water, food, education and clothing." With your contributions to this project, SoA will supply items such as shovels, rakes, baby blankets, clothing, school supplies and more.

What does your donation buy?
$500 buys 50 blankets

$250 buys 10 heavy duty shovels

$150 buys one 125 lb spreader

$50 purchases 5 school kits

Navy HM1 Ward-Women & Children's Engagement ProjectEmpower Iraqi women and children with education, literacy and sewing center supplies

Fleet Marine Force Corpsman (HM1) Charlotte Ward is serving with the 1/4 Battalion's Caleb Platoon near Fallujah, Iraq. She wrote to Spirit of America to secure supplies for women and children to provide them a support system to combat the instability they face on a daily basis and to empower their self-sufficiency through education, literacy and a sewing center. Your contributions to this project to benefit HM1 Ward's request will help to bring practical assistance and hope to Iraqi women and children in need.

What does your donation buy?
$350 purchases one sewing machine
$100 purchases 10 school kits
$50 purchases one set of sewing accessories, buttons, notions and thread

Army Major Poirier-Bring Light and Hope to AfricaHelp Army Maj. Michael Poirier bring supplies to children and solar lanterns to Senegal

Poverty, lack of education and limited access to basic utilities make circumstances difficult for many in Senegal. Army Major Michael Poirier contacted Spirit of America to help provide basic supplies such as school kits, hygiene kits and soccer balls. In addition, solar powered lanterns are needed to bring light where no electricity is available. Your generous contributions to this project will allow Spirit of America to provide all of these supplies and more.

What does your donation buy?

$680 purchases 10 solar lanterns

$100 purchases 10 school kits

$50 purchases 10 hygiene kits

And projects being implemented:

Marines Seek Clean Water for Iraqi Villages

Help bring water purification systems to small villages along the EuphratesRead More > >
Army Captain Selph-Wheelchairs for Afghanistan

Help Army Cpt. Terri Selph provide wheelchairs to Afghans injured by land minesRead More > >
SPC Kissam in Iraq- Items for Iraqi orphans

Help Chaplain Assistant SPC Kissam Adopt an Orphanage!!Read More > >
Chaplain Damon Saxton Iraq-School supplies

Help Army Chaplain Damon Saxton provide school supplies to kids in Southern IraqRead More > >
Army Corps of Engineers Angela Drinkwitz-Community Learning Center for Girls and Young Women

Help Army Corps of Engineers personnel equip Sewing Center in International ZoneRead More > >
Help Army Chaplain Murphy Bring Clean Water To Iraq

Help turn the 'Triangle of Death' into the 'Triangle of Hope'Read More > >
Support 'Football for Peace' in Wardak Province

Help Army Cpt. Greg Schaefer bring the benefits of sports to Afghan youthRead More > >
Army Major Cintronolivieri Seeks Support for Central Iraq

Civil Affairs team in Balad, Iraq needs clothes, sports equipment, hygiene and school suppliesRead More > >
Help Army SFC John Ingrum Help Iraqi Children

SFC Ingrum serving in Habur Gate, Iraq wants to help Iraqi kids get off the streets and back in schoolRead More > >
Military Chaplains Help With Hearts for Baghdad

Support a clinic at Camp Victory that treats over 1200 Iraqis monthlyRead More > >
Army & Air Force Exchange Service Request for Iraq

Help Soldier in Iraq since April 2003 help the citizens in Habur GateRead More > >
Gifts for Children

Help US troops improve relations and bring hope to childrenRead More > >

From clean water to school supplies to wheelchairs for land mine victims, Spirit of America is working to bring immediate humanitarian assistance.

To make a donation:

100% of your donation to Spirit of America is tax-deductible
By Phone - Call 1-800-691-2209
By Check
Please make checks payable to Spirit of America and mail to:
Spirit of America

File 50315

Los Angeles, CA 90074-0315

or go here