Good morning everyone, and Happy Saturday once again! And before I get to those year-end numbers for you all, I again wanted to thank you profusely for supporting our Clip for the Troops campaign. Really, there is simply no way I can possibly thank each and every one of you enough for your love, support and generosity, but I do hope it not only continues but grows! As you may recall, we launched over Memorial Day weekend, and that first batch was pretty much lil ole me tossing in some extra coupons I had lying around. Soon enough, my visits to the post office box became my giddy little thrill, finding all kinds of packets in there from all across the country, as well as wonderful little thank you notes and letters from the military installations. And with 2012 now here, I can only imagine how much further we will continue to grow.
So maestro – drum roll please… (and yes, you have to watch all the YouTube clips before reading on…)
.
.
.
.
.
In 2011, we have adopted the following posts and bases, covering the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines:
Alconbury, UK
Ansbach, Germany (That’s right, another NEW adoption occurred in December! HOOAH! Woot-woot!)
Bamburg, Germany
Gaeta, Italy
Illesheim, Germany
Incirlik, Turkey
Iwakuni, Japan
Lakenheath, UK
Okinawa, Japan (Army)
Okinawa, Japan (Air Force)
Sasebo, Japan
Wiesbaden, Germany
Vicenza, Italy
Yes, the Pagan Newswire Collective now directly contacts thirteen (13) military installations overseas via the campaign, helping hundreds and perhaps even thousands of people in our own way – without preaching or guilt-tripping anyone. As I’ve stated before, it’s my hope and vision we will be able to directly, gently and positively touch the lives of every family out there, helping them help themselves put food on the table and get the sundries and other needs met, without as great of a reliance on food pantries and/or food stamps. I know what it’s like not having the basics covered, and having to use those services, while greatly appreciated, is a humbling experience, sometimes humiliating. (I remember having to endure a day-long revival dealie just to get a bag of groceries, with a Bible included and pestering follow-ups – natch.) The people who risk their lives for ours should not have to be subjected to that, so sending out coupons we either don’t need or can’t use really helps these folks maintain their independence, pride and dignity. So let’s keep it up!
For December, our coupon collection total came to…
.
.
.
.
.
.
$15,993.23! Yes! Another banner month for us and new record! Awesome!
And throughout the year, we have collected a total of…
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(no scrolling now… that’s cheating!)
.
.
.
.
.
.
$50,121.41!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Over FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS collected in a little more than half a year! WOW! And again, that was done in about half a year, so for sure we can double that in 2012 and probably surpass it! How? Well, just by keep on doing what we’re doing, as well as to push the envelope further. Please pass on the message to your friends, family, coven mates, community organizers and hey, even your online buddies, what we’re doing, and see if they can’t contribute as well. All it takes is a little time and a stamp or two, or in the case of our good friends in Addison, IL, a giant priority box by getting an entire retirement community involved!
And yes, postage to all these places cost money, so here’s the total on that:
- $163.35, which includes the packs I need to ship out today! But that’s cool, because thanks to you fine folks, a total of $24.00 has come in ($3 I found just last night mixed up in some coupons while doing the final count! Thanks!), and Addison has a $80 check for me in the mail. No problem, I can wait. I’m the queen of patience. After all, I’m the one who took the time to find all those YouTube clips I asked you all to suffer through! Ha! Every penny collected toward postage is seriously, greatly, totally appreciated, because as you can see, we’re definitely growing, and I can’t handle it all by myself anymore. So if you send a pack of coupons, please toss a buck in the mix. I’ll find it (eventually? hehe!).
Welp, it’s been a long week for me, so I’m going to wrap things up, get in a couple hours of sleep and head down to the post office. Thanks again everyone, and keep on sending those coupons! It’s so incredibly appreciated! And by the way, I’ll go ahead and post the details for you so more folks can join in and help our military families overseas!
1) Like! the Facebook page and let your friends and family know what’s going on! This is an exciting venture that more people need to know about! Share early and often!
2) Help me spread the word by mentioning the campaign in your blogs and posts. If you do a podcast or are running a festival, please feel free to contact me (doom diva [at] yahoo [dot] com). I can go on all day about how couponing not only helps ourselves to great deals (including savings on organic fare and fresh and frozen fruits, veggies, dairy and meats!), but again, it actively helps those whose mission it is to serve and defend our country.
3) Send coupons! This is a campaign that is national, meaning you don’t need to even live near a coven or group to get involved, and you don’t need any real ability or skill. Kids can do this. Disabled people can do this. Our Elders can do this. All it takes is a little time and a stamped envelope. Mail your unwanted/expired manufacturer coupons to:
PNC Military – Clip for the Troops
Attn: Lori Dake
PO Box 306
Chicago, IL 60690-0306
I check the post office box downtown on the last Saturday of each month.
4) Drop a buck or two into the pot. So far, I’ve received $24 towards the postage, which is greatly appreciated, and I have received word a check for $80 is on the way. THANK YOU!!!! Mailing little slips of paper doesn’t seem like much, but paper is heavy, even newsprint, and each package has been costing me $4.95 to send. If you would like to donate via PayPal, please email me so I can provide you with the email account (my husband’s verified business account, so you know it’s safe!). Again, my email address is doom diva (at) yahoo (dot) com (I’ve had that address since ’98).
5) If you’re local, contact me about stopping by for a sorting party! We continue to grow, and I am having a harder and harder time doing this by myself. I live in the Logan Square area of Chicago right off the boulevard (by the “Christmas House“!), right by the expressway, with ample free street parking and plenty of nearby public transportation. I’m an awesome cook and would be more than happy to share a meal for your efforts. (Psst! We always have beer in the fridge and herbal tea on the kettle!)
Recent Comments