2008 RECAP

All packages were shipped to the 356th and received before Christmas! They waited until Christmas Eve to pass our packages to the troops – during their Christmas party!

This year was really special to me – not only were we able to adopt 125 soldiers, but we also were able to bring a little bit of extra Christmas cheer to 3 young teen daughters and wife of one of the soldiers. Sandy, the woman in the news story, is also the head of the unit's Family Readiness group – she's all about giving to every family in her unit, but not including herself. So, we decided, we needed to let her know, that she also was special. We went over to their house on Christmas eve, and presented them each with a monogramed mini I-pod (just like their dad had). Plus the Sandy, got a "pamper yourself package".

Each of the soldier's package contained:

• 1 lb of fudge (thanks to Village Fudge and Candy Shoppe)
• homemade cookies
• 1 loaf of banana nut bread
• candy canes
• student made Christmas ornament
• student created letters and cards
• 60 minute phone cards (Cell Phones for Soldiers)
• greeting cards
• blank notecards
• and more! W
  
  We want to take the time to thank each one of that you that helped in some way.

Nov. 15, 2008.. 10-Connects story on TV featuring one of our military wifes. This was a very moving piece.

10-Connects News ran 2 stories on the TV news – featuring Send a Taste of Home.

We were really concerned that since we had just moved to Lakeland, Florida from Concord, North Carolina, we didn't know anyone yet in our town, that we wouldn't get the community support like we had the past couple years. Erika Pitzi heard of our project, and decided she wanted to cover it – much to our excitement.

As in the past, I stayed much true to form, and appeared a little scattered and goofy during the interviews. I get so excited about what we do – that I can go on for hours, about adopting hundreds of soldiers at a time, and being able to bring them a little bit of home while they are away from home for the holidays.

It will never cease to amaze me that the news people can take 1.5 hour worth of interview, and get a piece that lasts 3 minutes or less, and still make sense! They did a remarkable job!

The 1st story they did, (click here to view Click here to view 10-Connects News Story #1) they interviewed Sandy, who's husband was one of the soldier's we adopted. When I finally saw the story, it moved me to tears. I guess, I just didn't really stop to think about how, what we do, affects the loved ones at home, just as much as the soldiers. It makes them feel good – to know that perfect strangers stand behind them and their loved ones serving in the Military.

After the story was run on the air, my emails and phones went crazy. I was so overwhelmed with the outreach of the community. Between all the schools wanting to make ornaments, write letters and make cards, to 3 of the soldier's wives coming over and helping me hand write a private message in all the greeting cards, to the cookies – you name it! It was fantastic! This was the BEST year ever for our adopted soldiers.

I had taken photos of the day we packed everything up – but unfortunately, my camera fell off the table, and broke, so we couldn't get those photos. But, if that's the worst thing that can happen, I consider ourselved very blessed. Our 2 friends and my son and his wife came over to help us stuff 125 bags filled with 1lb of fudge, 2 doz cookies, 60 minute phone card (thanks to Cell Phone for Soldiers), cards, ornaments – AND over 10 pounds of Starbucks Coffee for them all to share (thanks to A Rose of Thanks) !

We feel very blessed to have had the help of many, to make 2008 a GREAT YEAR OF GIVING BACK!

Wrap of Story: Click here to view Video or read story

October 20, 2008.. Radio interview with WONN 1230AM in Lakeland, Florida.They helped us by announcing the kickoff of Send A Taste of Home's outreach for 2008!

This was the first time I've done a radio interview, man, oh man was I ever nervous. I was really impressed with the way they took what I said, and molded it into a story – taking on an angle that I probably would not have thought about doing, if it were up to me.I figured I'd provide you with a visual to go along with the words on the radio, so here is the photo I sent my son off to Iraq with.

I have always been one that resorts to humor when the going gets tough. The very last thing I wanted my son to see before he left, was me sitting there crying like a baby. Hear the Inverview

September 2008.. Join our Facebook group to find out what we're doing and to talk to us and the family members of our adopted unit. Click here to Join!

August 2008.. We've adopted the 356th based in Lake Wales, Florida. There are 124 soldiers attached to this unit and they are currently stationed overseas. We will be starting our collection drive shortly – so think about what you can do to help show these soldiers our love and support!