November 2006

This is the first month that we have sent packages to all 5 of our contacts:

CAPT Krahulec, USMC
SPC Estes, US Army
CPL Gilmetti, USMC
SSG BRown, US Army
CAPT Lynch, USMC

We sent out a total of 16 packages to Iraq. These packages contained all sorts of magazines (thank you to everyone who donated), Providence Journals for our RI Group, snacks, candy, DVDs, DD Coffee, video games, microwaveable meals, trail mix, gatorade powder, beef jerky, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

With 5 groups going, we have all sorts of different requests which we are accommodating as best we can.  Captain Lynch sent us an interesting article about a Navy chaplain who has started a coffee shop on the base.  He requested coffee syrup, which we sent over.  We also sent over a package meant just for the He-Brews Cafe, full of teas, coffee, coffeemate and hot chocolate.  Check out the article here:

http://192.156.19.109/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5
/19D7386A9F04DDA3852571F6003701CE?opendocument

We heard have heard back from SSG Brown, Captain Krahulec and Captain Lynch.  Their emails are here:

Excerpt from Captain Krahulec's letter
I just received your note and packaged in the mail, again.  Let me say thank you to you and your family for their support of the troops while we are deployed.  No words can express our gratitude for your efforts to bring a piece of America to this little slice of the dessert.

Be assured that the Marines are more than happy to see the packages arrive and even more importantly their smiles are big and bright when I drop off the packages into their hands.  Surprisingly, some of our Marines have not gotten many packages from home or loved ones and these are the Marines that I target with your packages.  As I have told you before, the simple act of a box from America helps brighten their moods 100%.

Click here to read his full letter
Page One
Page Two

Kristin,
We received two amazing packages yesterday. Thank you very much for the show of support. It is great to know that there are thoughtful people like you and your family at home.

Best wishes.
Bob
Robert P. Lynch Capt USMC

Kristin,
I received the packages. Thank you very much.  The Patriots shirt will be given away via a drawing for those who had a birthday this Month. The guys all loved it. The socks went over very well as well.  We have been very busy here. Still trying to get into the swing of things. All items are welcome.
Thank you,
SSG Rrea Brown

NOT YOUR AVERAGE DONATION...

Two weeks ago, 8 lucky dinner guests were treated to a home cooked 4 course meal, prepared in their home, by the Vice President of Culinary of Not Your Average Joe's restaurant, Chris Bodington, along with his trusted assistants, Michael Minichello and Jesus Jimenez.

The hosts of the party had purchased the dinner at Pack It Up's auction, back in June.  The guests were treated to passed hors d'oeuvres during the cocktail hour, an appetizer of pan seared scallops, delicious salad, surf and turf entree (filet mignon and lobster tail) and a homemade apple tort a la mode for dessert. Each course was accompanied by a wine complete with the history of the wine, courtesy of Michael.

All the food, wine (and even someone to serve and clean up) was donated by Not Your Average Joe's and their employees.   Thank you Not Your Average Joe's! (New restaurant just opened in Burlington at the Wayside Commons...)

LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN:  THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET YOUR LETTERS IN.  MAIL THEM BY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5TH!!

If you were a part of Pack It Up last Holiday Season, you were a part of a very successful letter writing campaign.  We ask that you do the same this year.  Please find the time to write one letter to a solider in a Iraq.  Write anything you'd like - tell them about yourself, what is going on in the US with sports, politics, your life... tell them why you are proud of them and that you have not forgotten them while they are overseas.  This letter is between you and them and no one else.

Although we sent loads of presents and stockings last year, the most appreciated were the letters from you and your families.

So, please, take a few minutes, write a letter and send it in the mail to us.  We will make sure it is in their Christmas stocking... 

All letters should be sent to:
Pack It Up
10 Sheafe St #2
Boston, MA 02113