OPERATION ENSURING CHRISTMAS 08

Our Second Annual "Operation Ensuring Christmas;"we finished packing the 1,500 boxes Wednesday NOv. 26th!!

Our Operation Ensuring Christmas for 1,534 National Guardsmen, Army Reservists, Marines and an Aeromedical Hospital was a Big Success!

WE REALLY NEED VOLUNTEERS THAT CAN DO CALLING to businesses for 2009!!! Sign up at info@letterstosoldiers.org.

Donations for shipping being accepted here at

info@letterstosoldiers.org.

Come see the many pictures of Army Reserve Medical Unit with our Christmas Care Packages in Iraq:

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Headquarters, T.

B.Airfield, Afghanistan

January 11, 2009

Denise D.

Dear Denise,

We are writing you to thank you for your offering of support to us while we are here in Afghanistan serving in the military. Thank you for all of your long hours and many efforts to make this holiday special for us. Thank you to all the supporters of your efforts. Soldiers have thanked me for your kindness. There were a number of soldiers whose only package for the holidays was the one you sent to them. Because of you no one was forgotten. Thank you for your support. Thank you for caring enough to do such a nice thing for us. Thank you especially for your prayers. We have been blessed by your faithfulness and we thank you.

We were able to get a few pictures that we will send to you through e-mail. The soldiers were very appreciative of the support from home and I was glad to be able to distribute the things out to them. It means so much to get something in the mail (Most of us are blessed to have e-mail, but nothing beats receiving something in the mail). Many of our soldiers are in remote locations without the possibility of going to the store or having many of the luxuries of home, so your kindness was especially significant to them.

We should be returning home soon to our family and loved-ones, but we wanted to make sure that you know how grateful we are for you and how much your kindness helped us get through this experience. We have received items from great Americans in many states Kentucky, California, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Hawaii just to name a few. We are honored to serve wonderful patriots like you. It makes our sacrifice so much more meaningful. Thank you again. May God’s blessings always smile upon you.

Sincerely,

Chaplain J. M.

and

The members of the National Guard. Task Force W.Other Organizations sending support to our Troops are also having trouble raising shipping costs like this one in the news who needed to raise $1,000 for shipping to 100 soldiers in Iraq: " The plea came after Gebes and others recognized the downturn in the economy had affected donations not only for postage but supplies for his organization as well as others.

"It's not just postage but donations of items for packages is down 30 to 50 percent and Operation Support Our Troops in Lisle is experiencing the same thing," Gebes said. "Sending packages is so important for the morale factor…the harshness of the conditions is difficult. I think our soldiers need constant support to know we are behind them."

A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER: "If you have something you can donate to the letters to soldiers effort, please let me know what I need to do. I am donating two tickets to Il Divo June 4^th concert I won in order to raise shipping costs to send our soldiers that are really in danger still in Iraq and Afghanistan packages. If you have any suggestions or want to help me please let me know. We are gathering 4th of July Cards from schools all over US to send to 6 units in Iraq and Afghanistan, and a hospital in Kuwait. Read here for latest letter: CLICK

I have wonderful singers and performers like Angela Winston, Dan Truman, Jenny Phillips, Lantern Lane, Gaylon Rust of Legacy Entertainment and Positive Music Downloads, and others that have offered to do another concert this year.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE LETTER FROM THE National Guard SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN ABOUT THE 310 PACKAGES THEY RECEIVED FROM UTAH "...There were a number of soldiers whose only package for the holidays was the one you sent to them. Because of you no one was forgotten." Chaplain M.Attention UTah School Children: Letters and cards coming back from the Troops in Afghanistan to thank you:
From Task Force W.:
"Jacob, Thank you for the care packages you sent me. I enjoyed it and so did some of my friends serving here with me. It helped make my Christmas away from home a little brighter knowing that people back home care so much! Thank you again, SPC K."
"Juliette, I wanted to thank you for the package you sent to me. I enjoyed it. So did some of the others with whom I shared it. It was nice of you to help make Christmas a little better. Thank you again, SPC K."
WELCOME HOME National Guard:

"Letters to Soldiers

Attn: Denise D...9 December 2008

Dear Ms. D.. (response to your Christmas care packages dated 2008, 12,01).

First off let me convey my utmost and heartfelt thanks to you and everyone else who participates in “Letters to Soldiers” for your efforts in putting the care packages together for me and my crew; they are wonderful and the kids who made the cards are artists in bloom! J

In the meantime, please take this as an open invitation for you and any “Letters to Soldiers” participants and friends to write to me. I will always write you in return. While it is very faint, the light at the end of this tunnel has finally come into view. Here’s to hoping it keeps on coming quickly.

My Thanks and God Bless you all,"

Spc. D

"Denise-

Here are some photos. There will be a couple of more emails with photos. Marines were touched by the gifts. Thanks again for putting this together. I know it must have been a stressful undertaking.

Over the past few days we have received all of the packages. I will have to pass many of them out prior to Christmas or they will not all get out. My unit is not all at the same location and I don't have my own transportation assets to take them to all of the guys on Christmas Day. Also, I will probably take most of the photos with my digital camera and email you a link to a photo album where you can down load them. We will definitely get you some.

Thanks for all of the effort you put into this. I know the Marines will appreciate it.

Blessings,

Chaplain B. MARINES, (1,000 Marines First reply)

From Aeromedical Hospital in Kuwait: A1C L.

"Denise,

I think we’ve gotten all 100 packages now. Wow! Thank you! We’ve been wrapping them up and putting them on the beds to greet the patients as they arrive. We also have a few under the Christmas tree. We’re not doing great with taking pictures of them opening the boxes, but we’ll try to do better and send you what we can. Just wanted to say THANK YOU!!

-Logan"

Click here to see more pictures and letters from our Troops that received our 1,543 packages.

________________________________________________________

Thank you donors for helping this along. We were able to put 100 Marines' boxes into 34 and pack them and they are going to USPS today. 1,534 boxes total were shipped to military this Christmas. We do have 1000s of cards from Utah schools never delivered in time to pack Nov. 26, and some stockings, treats, and books if any military wish to receive any.

"Denise,

We picked up 17 full cages of packages today, December 1, addressed to APO/FPO soldiers and will get them processed and on their way overseas.

Margaret Putnam
Sr. SBS, USPS
801-974-2303
margaret.a.putnam@usps.gov "

What went into the care packages? Neways Personal Care Products, "THe Christmas Box" books, Christmas Cards made by children all over Utah, Home Made STockings, Card making supplies, Tahitian Noni Soft Chews, CDs of Side Out, Angela Winston, Margo Watson and other artists of Utah, chocolates by many Utah companies, DVDs of Operation Ensuring Christmas Concert donated by LIfeLOngMEmories Films and Hedgehog Solutions, Peace is Coming Painting prints, Kara's chocolate Truffles, Girl Scout Cookies, hot Chocolate, 60 Minute Calling Cards, Card Cafe discount cards went in every box.

$15,000 was needed this Christmas for shipping 1,500 boxes.

Raised $14,843 (Thank you VFW of Timpanogos for donating $500 at your meeting tonight, you guys are very dear to us)

*That means 1,534 soldiers will get care packages. All packages were packaged till midnight NOv. 26th at UPS call center. All 6 units in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan will receive 1,534 boxes of special things from Utah. Thank you all volunteers that helped that day and night to make this huge job a success.

WELCOME HOME NATIONAL GUARD BACK IN UTAH!!

About Operation Ensuring Christmas Concert Nov. 5, 2008:

"Military Relations will have 3 representatives at the concert.
My wife, Ruth, and I as well as Don Hullenger.
See you tonight—I’ll make a donation at the door.

Thanks for all you work."

Frank Clawson (LDSChurch.org)

Click pics to see all the pictures of what went in those boxes.Please come donate $10 at least for one soldier to get Christmas wishes and care package from us. . Attention All Companies donating items all year round like card-making supplies, cameras, and other items listed on our "operationensuringchristmas08" page. Thank you WalMart for donating $1,500 for 2009 shipping and $100 in disposable cameras.

Thanks to a wonderful and talented webmaster, editor, volunteer I hope to make a beautiful website and promotion DVD for Letters to Soldiers. He is a disabled Veteran and with the help of our wonderful volunteer filmmakers Lifelongmemoriesfilms.com, Linda and Ken; David Burt of Vitalist Productions is going to put all the footage of Park City Jazz Fest booth 2007, 2007 New Year’s Eve Tribute to the Troops, FM100 Health Fair with Sam Payne, Valentine’s Breakfast with Mayor of SLC for National Guard wives 08, and the Christmas Operation Ensuring Christmas 07 and 08 projects and 08 Concert, and the Welcome Home Troops June Celebration in 08, into a flash everyone can see on the site and on the www.gifamilytv.com site, and for all to give out to potential sponsors and media. Everyone that did not attend the Operation Ensuring Christmas Concert, can watch it in its entirety at www.gifamilytv.com with General Harrison of HAFB, Governor Huntsman, and Director of Odyssey Dance Theatre remarks and gifts, and the wonderful talents of Dan Truman of Diamond Rio, Angela Winston, The Moleni Brothers, Canada’s #1 country singer Allison Janisse, Jill Stevens, Drew Reese, LAnternLane, Margo Watson, Jaden Bliss, and the One Voice Children’s Choir. We were blessed to have so much donated last year along with $15,000 in funds for shipping of 1,543 care packages to 6 Units of National Guard, Army Reserve and Marines, a hospital for our wounded military in Kuwait, over $700 shopping certificates to MACYs department store at University Mall, 1,500 DVD copies of our concert for our troops by Hedge Hog Solutions, Studio 600, Taylor Audio Sound and stages at 3 concerts, 1,500 Richard Paul Evans Books, 1,500 60 minute calling cards from Cell PHones for Soldiers, 3,000 donated CDs, 1,500 plus chocolate packages, 1,500 hand made stockings, 10,000 Christmas Cards made by schools, RCWilley, UPS, Café Rio, Card Cafe, Ruby Tuesday, Applebees, $1,500 Build a Bear Bucks, and so much more. And our most treasured efforts of our volunteers like Imperial Weddings decorations, Alleman decorations and gifts, Fort Douglas 96^th friends who volunteered countless hours, our wonderful team of gathering donations and packaging the boxes, and so many others I have not mentioned. Thank you all for your efforts that made this so wonderful. "

Read letters and click to see pictures from 6 units we shipped to about package arrivals:

01/23/09

From: Chaplain M.
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 1:10 AM
To: info@letterstosoldiers.org
Subject: Thank you, thank you, thank you!

"January 11, 2009

Denise D.

Dear Denise,

We should be returning home soon to our family and loved-ones, but we wanted to make sure that you know how grateful we are for you and how much your kindness helped us get through this experience. We are honored to serve wonderful patriots like you. It makes our sacrifice so much more meaningful. Thank you again. May God’s blessings always smile upon you.

Sincerely,

Chaplain M. and The members of the National Guard Battalion

Task Force W.

I am trying to get the photos from our photographer to send to you. You

are awesome! Thank you so much for your support. May you have many

great success in this new year.

Sincerely,"

Chaplain M.

12/22/08 Military families came to pick out toys, clothes, shoes, coats with their kids this Christmas. All new items were donated for them:

Click here to see more pictures and letters from the families, soldiers, sponsors, performers:

12/28/08 From NG Unit in Iraq: Letters mailed to us: Click their picture to see all the pictures they took with disposable cameras WalMart donated

Dear Denise Dec. 9, 2008

You don’t know me but I have been blessed at your hand as a Soldier in Iraq. My name is Sgt. W. I know, I know, it looks like a fraud, but that is really my name and I am a 26 yr old male originally from P... I’m really good friends with your buddyS PC D. and he gave me one of the many care packages you sent just recently. So I had a little time to stop and say thank you, because that care package was the best care package I’ve received. You could just tell that everything was well thought out and carefully prepared for someone you didn’t even know, so thank you for your thoughts, your time, your heart and not to mention the money and effort that went into these care packages. I have told my parents not to send me anything because I have everything I need, I even went as far as to not give them my address, but you know, it’s good to get something every once in a while. So thanks for making me feel special and that there are people back who actually take the time to think of us out here, it’s actually quite gratifying. This Christmas ill be the first I’ve spent away from wife and kids and every little bit helps, but you gve a “big” bit, holy cow!!! As I was going through the box, I couldn’t believe the stuff I was pulling out!!! That A Capella CD is freaken awesome! I haven’t listened to the other CDs yet as I just got the package last night. Thanks Again! Things here are steadily progressing and elections are coming up in January. Iraq is slowly gaining the ability to become a sovereign nation and is taking the necessary “slow” steps. We’ve been kept safe out here and I believe it will continue. Thanks again and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Sgt. W.

SPC N.

National Guard

December 8, 2008

Dear Denise,

What a wonderful care package! SC D shared the boxes you sent and I absolutely loved the one I got – cute stocking, wonderful music, a copy of The Christmas Box (love that story), adorable handmade cads from elementary school kids and plenty more. Although, I have to confess my favorite was the package of Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies. I didn’t like the change to the recipe from the last year so I was excited to see the old style again.

We’re getting cloes to the end of this deployment, but I’s a strange feeling. It’s close enough now to start planning for it; but, still far enough away to be unreal sometimes. Friendly care packages from home are the best way to keep our spirits up and remind us what’s waiting for us when we get back. Not just family and loves, but a whole community of people with open arms and hearts. Thank you from the bottom of mine.

Sincerely,

Nichole

Letters to Soldiers

Attn: Denise D...9 December 2008

Dear Ms. D... (reponse to your Christmas care packages dated 2008,12 01).

First off let me convey my utmost and heartfelt thanks to you and everyone else who participates in “Letters to Soldiers” for your efforts in putting the care packages together for me an dmy crew; they are wonderful and the kids who made the cards are artists in bloom! J

As you may or may not know I have been in the military for nearly 8 years now and am serving my second tour here in Iraq. I am currently serving with the National Guard out ... and we are attached to the P...( out of Fort Hood, Texas and Carson, Colorado).

We are military journalists who tell the Army’s Story, be it in print, photograph or video. Our job is to cover our troops and paint the ‘real’ picture, which sadly most of the media back home seems afraid to convey. In any case, we enjoy this job; covering our fellow servicemembers, especially because of those who’ve laid down their lives in defense of our nation and its liberties.

Well my friend I surmise that this is satisfactory for now. I wish I could type an infinite amount of meaningful lines, but even as a journalist; I don’t always know what to say. Christmas is not far off now and after that there are only 2 major holidays left until I am back home! J

In the meantime, please take this as an open invitation for you and any “Letters to Soldiers” participants and friends to write to me. I will always write you in return. While it is very faint, the light at the end of this tunnel has finally come into view. Here’s to hoping it keeps on coming quickly.

My Thanks and God Bless you all,

Spc.D.

PS Although you live in Orem are you still going to cheer for my beloved Utes against Alabama? GO UTES! The Concert DVD

was Great!

Our 1,000 packages for the Marines arrived and Chaplain Harding drove them all over: Click pictures below to see

rest of pictures:

"Denise-

Here are some photos. There will be a couple of more emails with photos. Marines were touched by the gifts. Thanks again for putting this together. I know it must have been a stressful undertaking.

In addition to supporting military organizations do you do other things?

Blessings,

Brandon

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Over the past few days we have received all of the (1,000) packages. I will have to pass many of them out prior to Christmas or they will not all get out. My unit is not all at the same location and I don't have my own transportation assets to take them to all of the guys on Christmas Day. Also, I will probably take most of the photos with my digital camera and email you a link to a photo album where you can down load them. We will definitely get you some.

Thanks for all of the effort you put into this. I know the Marines will appreciate it.

Blessings,"

Chaplain .B. (1,000 Marines)

From Aeromedical Hospital in Kuwait: A1C L.

"Denise,

I think we’ve gotten all 100 packages now. Wow! Thank you! We’ve been wrapping them up and putting them on the beds to greet the patients as they arrive. We also have a few under the Christmas tree. We’re not doing great with taking pictures of them opening the boxes, but we’ll try to do better and send you what we can. Just wanted to say THANK YOU!!

-Logan"

From the Schools that participated and others:

From: Eileen Nicholas ogdensd.org] Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 9:40 AM
To: Soldiers, Letters to
Subject: Re: FW: Please pass onto all Utah Schools that made Christmas cards for our 1,543 Utah military this

"We have received two letters so far...but I will send this out to all involved. Eileen"

Thank you donors helping this along. We were able to put 100 Marines' boxes into 34 and pack them and they are going to USPS today. 1,534 boxes total were shipped to military this Christmas. We do have 1000s of cards from Utah schools never delivered in time to pack Nov. 26, and some stockings, treats, and books if any military wish to receive any.

"Denise,

We picked up 17 full cages of packages today, December 1, addressed to APO/FPO soldiers/marines and will get them processed and on their way overseas.

Margaret Putnam
Sr. SBS, USPS
Click these pictures to see all the items that went into these packages, the volunteers and all the boxes that were packed up at UPS.
People keep asking what will be in the care packages so far:

Neways Personal Care Products, calling cards, "THe Christmas Box" books, Christmas Cards made by children, Home Made STockings, Card Café Card making discount cards, Tahitian Noni products, CDs of Side Out, Angela Winston, Margo Watson and other artists of Utah, DVDs of Operation Ensuring Christmas Concert t hanks to Hedgehog Solutions for duplicating 1,500, Peace is Coming Painting Cards,

we still need nuts, jerky, wipes, Gold Bond, Vitamins, Hot Chocolate packs, home-made Rice Krispie Treats ( one of FRG leaders of 142nd is getting her Relief Society to make some, won't more please make some and contact us to pick up ), and more Christmas DVDs.

MACY'S DEPARTMENT STORE IN UNIVERSITY MALL "OPERATION ENSURING CHRISTMAS" BIG TWO DAY EVENT Thursday, Friday NOV. 20, 21 TO RAISE $10,000 More FOR THE UTAH MIILTARY DEPLOYED TO GET CHRISTMAS" Come in and buy or bring donated items, donations to help us raise the $15,000 for cost of shipping 1,500 Care Packages, and come make a card with your kids for our Utah Military and get in the Christmas Spirit. Giveaways and surprises, Fashion Show, Guest appearances from Osmond 2nd Generation along with Honored Guest SFC Gordon Ewell. Nov. 20 Angela Winston sings and signs CDs at 6:30pm followed by a really cool fashion show, then Osmond 2^nd Generation is singing and signing CDs, Wow what a night with Angela Winston and The Osmonds 2nd Generation and Allan Osmond and SFC Gordon Ewell and family. Click here to see all pictures of amazing night and free California Pizza Kitchen pizzas, FUZE drinks and Chick- Filet.

Fri. Nov. 21^st is our BYU Tailgate party with MACYS with free food, gift card giveaways, BYU Signed items auctioned off, and our Operation Ensuring Christmas Concert DVDs. Singers Lanternlane, Karry DRisdum and the ONE VOICE Choir, and "The Diamond Experience." Free Drawing Giveaways included Chick Filet Cows with Free milk shake and Chicken Burgers, Build A Bear Certificates, Macy's $50 Gift Certificates, Yoasis free yogurt, gift bags, Flag Stickers, Decals, Flags, Uncle Sam hats and more. Thank you Nic and Jill, Darlene, Kimball, Linda, and all the wonderful employees at MACYS.

YOu can purchase the DVD of the Operation Ensuring Christmas Concert 08 for $25 which will send two soldiers Christmas packages

Come watch a small peak:

CHRISTMAS SILENT AUCTION All Final now see list below

*Large Painting by Jon McNaughton "Peace is Coming"

*BYU FOOTBALL TEAM SIGNED MEMORABILIA, Signed Official BYU Football signed by the Football players with their number, BYU Football Team helmet signed by Wide Receiver, Nice Coach's Jersey like coach Mendenhall wears, BYU 2008 Football book, BUY Duffle Bag, BUY Big "Y" Banner, BYU Flag, BYU Cougars Sweatshirt, BYU T-shirt, BYU Football Calendars, smaller football signed also. Thank you EJ BYU AThletic Academics Director for helping us.

*500 shopping spree at MACYS Department Store at University Mall

*Air Hockey table donated by RCWilley, Click here for final winners of the silent auction

Click Jill Stevens' Miss Utah and One Voice Children's Choir's picture to see pictures of the concert! Thank you to all who donated including our Generous Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. and First Lady Mary Kaye Huntsman for your donation and wonderful address.

Wednesday November 5th Operation Ensuring Christmas Benefit Concert at Studio 600 was really beautiful:

DVDs of the concert is available for minimum donation of $25 to send 2 military care packages and you get a free signed concert poster. Get your orders in at:

Updates of those participating in Operation Ensuring Christmas:

Requests & Replies from Chaplains and our soldiers of 6 units we are shipping to :

"Denise,

Thank yous are unnecessary for us UPSers. We are just glad to help. You did a beautiful job getting these boxes complete. Thanks again."

Carly Riehle
Administrative Assistant for Joel Kolb
V.P. and COO, UPS Great Basin District

(Carly and other UPS employees made tons of Christmas Stockings, and helped us get volunteers to package the boxes) Thank you Carly

OPERATION ENSURING CHRISTMAS PARTY 2008

CLICK PICS TO SEE ALL PICS OF PARTY.

"Hello Denise,

Thank you for the invite to your party. We have a family party the same time. I hope your night is wonderful. I am sooo amazed at what you have done. We just got done with a concert here in Morgan for the food drive, and getting letters to our local men and women, and we only have 15 men and women serving, and what a big project just for 15 packages. I don't know how you did it with soooooo many packages. YOu are one amazing lady. Really, I admire your drive. What a special person you are.

Hope your holidays are packed with cheer and happiness. Currently writing more songs, and having co-writers work with me as well. Also, doing a benefit for a girl with Cancer. I'll have to send you an invite when we get the dates.

May God Bless you Denise- Happy Holidays, and a very Merry Christmas. YOU WILL HAVE ALL THAT YOU DESIRE IN YOUR LIFE-

GOD BLESS"

Love Wendy and family

UTah Schools: if one person from each school district would get them all ready and delivered to their district office by Nov. 25^th and then deliver them to SLC UPS Call Center off of the 201 (old 2100 S. ) FWY. Exit at 3200 W. right and left on Frontage road to 35 30 W. 2100 S. red brick building. Ask for Sivale who is in charge of UPS call center and is packing all the 1,500 boxes. Thank you. Thanks Valerie for picking up DAvis and Weber County Schools' cards from their school district offices Nov. 25th. Thanks Thanks Steven and Barbara for picking up Washington County letters and putting them on the VA van to SLC, Thanks Lois for picking up Uintah County schools' cards. Thanks Susan A. for getting Alpine School District's cards. Thanks Valerie for picking up Davis and Weber county cards, Cherisse Logan and Cache, Karen W. Jordan, Can anyone pick up Granite School Dist. on State ST? We are packing rest of 1,400 boxes at UPS call center all day today till 10pm tonight if anyone wants to come help, we would appreciate it.

"My colleges and I unfortunately bought into the "send a wounded soldier a holiday card through Walter Reed" scam recently. We had all of our associates sign holiday cards to send. We now have a box of cards to send with heartfelt wishes for our troops and no place to send them to.
Can you help? I can overnight them to you if you can.
Please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks "

Jodi Stickel
Consumer Loan Support Supervisor
JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA

11/24/08

Wow one of the National Guard in Afghanistan has the best father in law Ray that made 310 packages of Pecan Rolls, with home-made chocolates in individually decorated bags that he delivered to UPS call center for packaging tomorrow and Wed. What a treat, and with the other treats, and wonderful personalized and hand made gifts by people all over Utah and the 1000s of cards by all the Utah Schools that participated, the 1,500 National Guard, ARmy Reservists, Marines and wounded will get the best Christmas presents this year thanks to you all.

"hope that everything went well with your concert and fund raising efforts. I had a few family members that planned on going. My baby got sick at the last minute and I couldn't make it. I have 23 stockings that are just darling for you. I would like to drop them off to you tomorrow (Tuesday, November 25) so that you will have them before Thankgiving. These were made by little girls and their moms and they are just so cute. I am so excited! Let me know if I can drop them off in the morning sometime. Thanks so much!!"

Misty G

11/23/08 "Wow thank you Marilyn for getting Kara's chocolates to donate 1,500 Mint Truffles, and Thank you Susan of Kara's Chocolates. And Marilyn got hot cocoa after Nestle's turned us down after 3 months of waiting for an answer, and See's chocolates only gave us 2 lbs. of chocolates. Now the Military will all get chocolate this Christmas in their stockings.

"Denise,

Thanks for your help with the story; it printed on Thursday and I have the link below that you can look at it on the web. I hope everything went well with the event. I went to the show on Thursday night and wrote a letter to the soldiers. Good luck with mailing all the packages!"

--Sara Lenz, the Daily Universe

click here for article

"I am in Cottonwood Heights Utah area is there someplace here that need me ot pick up and deliver to church headquarters I am a mother of 9 with a daughter marine, son Navy and my youngest Son Mike ( 21 with a wife and daughter in Alaske) is in Iraq. His troop is from Ft, Hood I pray some other blessed person is doing the same there.

Let me know how to help. I am still putting his box together. I could use any suggestion of thing a soldier can use since I don't get to talk much to him.

How can I help you cause move forward"

Deb R.

Come read a Soldier's Christmas Poem!

11/21/08 Thank you Christine, Susan, Marilyn and others for making those gorgeous hand-made stockings for our Troops, and all volunteers that picked up cards from all Utah School Districts, and wonderful Teachers, secretaries, principals and School District personnel.

"My name is Stacy Justice and I am responsible for the marketing coordination for Diamond Lil's, a steak house in Salt Lake City Utah. We are interested in coordinating with a charity to become a donation location of needed items or funds. Please let me know how we can become involved with your organization.

Thank you I look forward to hearing from you

Stacy Justice"

11/19/08

"Denise,

I can bring the cards from West Hills Middle School and Copper Hills High School of Jordan School district to the district office on Friday, the 21st. I can't remember do you already have someone bringing them down to the UPS Call Center from that school district or do you need me too on Monday, the 24th. Let me know."

Karen D.

West Jordan

"Hi Denise –

I just wanted to let you know that our letters will be ready to be picked up on Monday, November 24. We are located at 2500 S ..... Right now I have 5 boxes - I expect we might end up with 6. Please let me know when someone will be by to pick up the letters.

Thanks!

-- Danielle K. Granite School District"

"I know there's so much that we need to do for our Troops. How can I help? I don't have money, but I have me. Thanks! (Former ARMY wife who knows what it is like to be without your husband for 18 months)"
________________________________________________________

Bonnie J Bryson
Sr. Customer Service Associate
Apria Healthcare-Salt Lake
Phone:801-972-5353
Fax: 801-975-7453
Apria Healthcare

"Hi,

We are from Lewiston, Elem. Where exactly do we drop off our cards on Friday. Our school is making the Christmas cards for an art project Friday and I’ll be needing to deliver them after school. If you have any other info, would you let me know?"

Jan Tingey

"I am the media specialist at Orchard Elementary in Orem, Utah. I heard about a collection of letters being sent to those serving our country. As we discuss being thankful in the library I will be mentioning those serving our country and the sacrifices they are making to do so. I plan to have students write letters of thanks to those in the service over the next couple weeks. Can we still donate letters to go in packages to those serving? When is the deadline that you want the letters by? Where should I deliver them? Any information you can give me about this effort would be appreciated.

Thank you,"

Peggy Morley

Orchard Elementary

Media Center Specialist

"Hi Denise,

Our letters were mailed to you yesterday. They should arrive today or within the next couple of days. I included the $5 that you requested. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in such a worthy cause. It was an awesome opportunity!!! Assuming you’ll be doing the same next year, please keep me posted.

Happy holidays to you and yours!

Chris Oakeson of Henry Schein

11/18/08Thank you Hedgehogsolutions.com for making DVDs of concert to send in each of the 1,500 care packages. What professional and wonderful professionals you are. Contact them at: solutions@hedgehogsolutions.com The have wonderful clients like Franklin Covey, Novell and others.

"Denise,

I have made about 50 stockings today...probably will be finished by Thursday. When is the latest you will accept stockings? I have more people that want to make stockings and donate fabric so more MAY be coming. How many more stockings do you need???"

Thanks! Christine J.

11/14/08

"Denise,

Just wondering if you got any more money since our story yesterday at 6pm?

Best wishes,"

Kerry Kinsey

ABC4 News (How kind you were to do the story and Andy for letting you know about our efforts. You were very caring and concerned. Unforetunately we are not getting any donations yet, and hope our MACYs two day mini concert and giveaway event, with our Concert DVD signings, will raise the rest of the $10,000 we need to ship 1,000 Marines their packages. Thanks again)

I teach middle school and would like to encourage students to drop off items for soldiers' Christmas care packages. (We are also going to write letters). Where do items that are donated in Cache Valley (Logan) get dropped off to? Thanks, Sherese Merrill"

"Hello! I would like to know, how one can send letters and care packages
to our Utah soldiers that are overseas? Where would we drop off the letters
and care packages? What is your drop off schedule? If you please email
me back with the information, I would appreciate it. My email is:

From: Tammy V."

"We have concerned students at Taylorsville High School who would like to write letters to soldiers who are currently serving our country. Is it possible to receive approximately 75 names of men and women in the armed forces along with the information about how to send these letters?

Thanks,"

"Please send me an address where the students from our school can send Christmas cards they are making for soldiers in Iraq.

Thank you,"

Vickie Young

Lincoln Academy

Fran Loos

Teacher

"Our family will join together on Thanksgiving after dinner to make Christmas Cards for the soldiers. However, we do not know where to send them. We would just send them in bulk to be distributed.

We are located in Santa Rosa CA. What would be our deadline for deliver. Perhaps if we are too late for Christmas we can work on something for February.

Please advise as soon as possible.

Thank for your help in advance."

Suzanne Michel

"I am a teacher looking to send letters from my students to military troops who are serving this country. What can I do to help?"

Joe Beyrer

Where do I send these letters? What else is needed?

Subject: operation ensuring christmas

Denise,

"I am the art teacher at my school and we have made christmas cards for our servicemen. I was unsure if someone would be picking them up for us, or if I needed to drop them by the district office. Could you please let me know what I need to do. Thank you for letting us help in this wonderful service project!"

Karlan Ewell

Art specialist

Reading Elementary

“Aren't the schools supposed to take all the cards to the District Office. I could pick them up from there if you need me to. I'm still not clear on date and time, and do you have an address for UPS in SLC?

I saw the soldier book on the table that night, but I didn't move anything from the tables. We took down the trees first so that the tables could be cleared to get the linens. We moved stuff on the auction tables just enough to take off the linens, but by the time we got to the other tables, the only thing left was the computer and the lady in charge of it moved it. Sorry”

Susan A.

Lead Secretary

Cedar Ridge Elementary

“My husband works for Penske Truck Rental. His employer will donate a truck to transport pallets to

U.P.S. stores. Please let me know how many pallets need to be shipped, where the warehouse is,

if the warehouse has a dock (this determines what kind of truck will be needed) and when the truck

is needed. Carol L. My Phone is”

11/12/08 Thanks Rebecca and Brian at “Operation Ensuring Christmas

Help our soldiers enjoy the holidays away from home. Macy's Department Store in Orem's University Mall is holding a two day "Operation Ensuring Christmas" Event. Thursday, NOV. 20 and Friday, Nov. 21 come help raise the $10,000 in funds needed to cover the cost of shipping 1,500 Care Packages for Utah Military. Enjoy special concerts and come make a card with your kids for the troops and get in the Christmas Spirit. For details go to Letterstosoldiers.org “

Utah Soldier's charities in need of help

Reported by: Kerry Kinsey
Last Update: 4:37 pm

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Related Items

Videos

To learn more about Letters to Soldiers and buying tickets for their upcoming fundraising concert - Operation Insuring Christmas, visit them online at:

www.LettersToSoldiers.Org

See sidebar to view video.

Our UTah Commander in Chief Governor Huntsman has accepted to introduce our Fundraising Concert. Thank you so much Governor!

""Denise D.

The Governor will be happy to provide some welcoming remarks at the beginning of this event."

Andrea ...utah.gov

Your donation will help us ship what soldiers need most - messages and packages of things made from home.

Our Deployed Servicemembers’ families will also get to meet our wonderful singers.

122208 Military families come pick out toys, clothes, shoes, coats with their kids this Christmas. All new items were donated for them:

She got her first Bear and a nice rattle while her two older sisters picked out toys, sneakers, skirts, dresses, and pants:

12/07/08

"Denise-

I’ll try and get as many pictures as possible. Do you want them to open the packages on Christmas Day?

I attached a few photos of a mission we did where we passed out shoes and coats to poor children here in Iraq. It was a lot of fun.

Blessings,"

Chaplain Br.
Task Force
Regimental Combat Team - 1

12/05/08 From one of the wives of the National Guard in Afghanistan we are shipping care packages to:

"This is a volunteer effort and we are glad to try and help and you have been very understanding. Anything BYU makes my son happy. Please rest up and get better for a Merry Christmas. You have certainly put a smile on hundreds of tired soldiers. It was an honor to help."

Sincerely, V.

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

I received your email (about the 1,000 care packages shipped). Thank you so much.

Blessings,

Chaplain B.
Regimental Combat Team

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

We do have a few from Utah. I’m from Cedar City and I know of a couple of others who are from the Provo/SLC area.

Blessings,

Chaplain B.
Task Force

11/26/08

From our friend NAvy Commander M. who used to

pass out our cards in Fallujah last year:

"Denise,
Thank you for all you do for soldiers, sailors and marines.
THey are blessed by your efforts.
How have you been?"
Mark

11/24/08

"Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

All:

The following is provided as information only; no official Utah

National Guard endorsement of this organization should be inferred or implied.

Lieutenant Colonel H. National Guard Public Affairs Officer

The Letters to Soldiers organization is making one last push this week to reach their goal of sending 1,500 Christmas packages to deployed National Guard members, Reservists, and Marines. Those who wish to volunteer to help with organizing, labeling, and

transporting packages this Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, 24-26 November,

please contact Denise at Click here for more information:

http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/operationensuringchristmas08.htm "Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

11/07/08

"Hello,

we will be here at this address until 15 JAN 09: ...

Thank you for all of your support.. my soldiers really appreciate your service. It is uncommon and has not gone unnoticed."

V/R

K. W.

1LT, MS, USAR

COMMANDER

Camp L., Iraq

11/06/08 Thank you General Harrison for coming to greet the families of those deployed at the concert. You were so gracious and the singer Allison JAnisse’ little boy loved going up on stage with you.

From our Army Reserve Hospital Unit of Army Reserve we said farewell to a few months ago:

W reached our post and have

a mailing address. I was wondering who I contact so my soldiers be supported by your services.

V/R

K. W.

1LT, MS, USAR

. COMMANDER Camp L., Iraq

11/04/08

"Where are you located at? I had a son just come home from Afghanistan. I live in West Valley City, Utah. I would like to help. Where are these men stationed at and what service are they in? DAvid"

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

Good Morning,

Major General Cooke is available. What time do you need him there.V/r

-----Original Message-----

From: S. Sandra J Ms USAR

Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 7:56 AM

To: Cooke, Peter S MG USAR

Subject: Concert Nov 5

Pardon the interuption Sir,

I need you to view the attached flyer.

The Governor's office said the Governor "got the time or date" or whatever mixed up and now cannot appear tomorrow night to welcome all the families to this concert which is to benefit 1,500 Utah soldiers deployed for Christmas (to raise airfare and postage for care packages and letters) Denise and I have worked really hard to put this together and we really need an Official to welcome these families to the concert.

Rick from the "Breeze" is going to be the MC.

Do you have time and energy to be our Official tomorrow night?

Please let me know. Thanks.

I appreciate your time.

Sandra S., Counseling Support

11/03/08 From Chaplain M.'s wife:

Hello there,

I am coming with my children. Thank you for hosting this. The word has been spreading… Prayers continue to ask for help in people coming and donating and supporting our troops. Thanks for all you are doing!"

From NG FRG leader and friend:

"Thanks, Denise. We are planning on coming, and will be bringing a number of items that were recently donated by an Eagle Scout in Lehi.

I have also been sending out your flyers to our FRG ladies, as have the rest of the NG Family Programs people. I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks!!"

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

We did receive the letters and they were passed out, thank you very much. We do some much appreciate your support and the support of your organization.

V/R

LT M.

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Denise-

I received your package of letters. Thank you.

I understand your limitations regarding sending 1000 packages for Christmas. Whatever you send will be great. Just knowing that people are praying for us and thinking of us means a lot.

Blessings,

Chaplain B.
Task Force
Regimental Combat Team 10/31/08 We are so thrilled and honored that families of the National Guard unit deployed in Afghanistan are RSVPing to come as our honored guests to the concert Nov. 5th

"you have done an amazing job and you are an amazing lady. I am impressed by your heart in this project and I am blessed to have met you and being given the opportunity to help you continue your work that is so important. I made a new site for us on digital rodeo tonight that will get the music artists behind us. it has all your info , links, organization ect..and what you are doing. We are just a group of artists, songwriters, musicians, record companies, etc. who are going to help you get the money you so badly need. God willing...this is going to go National setting up benefit shows to raise the money for your fund. You have a lot more people than you think behind you on this one.

I am just one of many....I just happened to come into your life at the right time and everything you are already doing is what we all want to do. You are making a huge difference... your time has not been wasted and I Promise you that we will back you 100% in all your efforts. You are awesome..and I mean that from my heart...and as a mother of a soldier..I send you hugs for caring so deeply. Hugs Tamra"

(Tamra Lynn Smith, Mother of Utah Soldier and songwriter of "Everyday I'm Hangin On")

10/30/08

"Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

Live for Iraq

I would like to thank you all for your support of myself and all the other Utah Service Members here in country. Being away from my family is hard and it would even be harder if the American public was not supporting the Troops. I know that the history the people of Utah for always having big hearts and are always ready to support those in need.

Again thank you so much, May God bless you all and watch over you.

MSG, USA

Garrison Life Support Officer"

10/29/08 National Guard FAmilies were grateful that Mariposa stores donated clothes and coats for their kids:

We love these kids and we love these families!!!

10/14/08

" I will pass that on to Pete. Thank you and please thank all the wonderful people who will be participating in this activity. I am honored to render my service for such wonderful Patriots like you."

Sincerely, chaplain M>

Chaplain (Major) NG

I met the mother of Sgt. P. last night. When she saw me writing my script for a radio 30 second spot about our concert, she told me she was so grateful I was sending letters and stuff to our troops and that her son was in the ARMY, and a Green Berret on his 2nd Tour. Her name is Janet. She told me she would love to help make some of the 1,500 Christmas Stockings we are sending and she is such a dear. Then I told her some of the National Guard units I was sending to from Utah serving abroad and she realized her son was in one of them, the NG. Please tell her son that he has an angel of a mother that she is so proud of him and loves him so. Thank you Denise

10/13/08

OH how wonderful to hear back from you Chaplain. I know it may sound weird that I get as excited as a kid on Christmas morning after Santa has visited, but collecting the cards and donated items from Americans all over the world expressing how much they love our brave and selfless men and women in uniform makes me feel that way.

I sent 150 boxes of cards, and tons of gifts for an Active Duty ARmy unit last Christmas through their chaplain. I sent them out on Dec. 3rd and they received them 1 week before Christmas. I know that the usual 10 day travel time for the packages is much slower during the holidays.

The plan is to raise the $15,000 we need to ship 1,500 boxes to the military units and a hospital in Kuwait, we have committed to the LDS Church Liaison Frank Clawson, at a Concert for all Utah Military and their families along with the public on November 5th. Please let all the families back home of your unit know about it. I have attached the flyer and LTC. M. promised to email all the Guard. And then we have asked all the School Districts of Utah to get all the cards they are making turned into their School District offices before Thanksgiving Vacation on the 27th. Then we plan get all the volunteers we can to box up all the collected items, label and shrink wrap the packages onto 20 crates USPS is providing, and having them picked up the following Monday with a special trailer they have committed. So we will just have faith that the Lord will get those packages out to you before Christmas as they did last Christmas. I have already added your unit of our Utah National Guard to send Christmas to this year. I am grateful to have Jennie Taylor support me in this wonderful opportunity. Many, many people here in Utah are excited to be working on this great project.

Wish everyone with you our love and prayers,

Denise http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/christmas08.htm (you can read the daily offers of service for this project on this page)

-----Original Message-----
From: Chaplain M>
Sent: Monday, October 13, 2008 4:02 AM
To: Letters to Soldiers

Subject: RE: Attention Chaplain M.gave me your email contact to get info on sending you Christmas cards and packages from UTah

Hello!

This sounds like a wonderful event and I am very appreciative of the

support to our soldiers. There are 310 Soldiers in our Battalion here

in Afghanistan. God Bless you and yours!

CH M.

P.S. I have attached the mailing deadlines or dates things need to be sent in order for them to arrive before Christmas.

Chaplain M. Task Force Wa.

10/26/08

We love our National Air Guard: Thank Joe, Ali, Valerie, Denise, Lydia and others:

From: Sgt. J.Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 7:46 AM

To: H.Valerie Subject: RE: Event on the 5 Nov 2008

"Hi Valerie,

Even though I don't think we need tickets if we are helpers, I plan to buy one anyway to make a monetary donation to the event. I also plan to volunteer at least the afternoon of the event to help them get things ready for the event that evening. On the evening of the event, I think she is planning for us to help greet and possibly usher people to their seats, maybe even help with refreshments. I am sure she appreciates whatever time and energy you will offer. If you want to give her a call, her number is ...Joe"

-----Original Message-----

From: H. Valerie

Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2008 9:41 AM

To: Sgt. S.

Subject: Event on the 5 Nov 2008

SMS Shern,

"I volunteered to help out with the Operation Ensuring Christmas concert event."

"We would love to attend Operation Ensuring Christmas concert. My husband and I are Gold Star parents and appreciate invitation. We look forward to it. There will be two of us.

Thank you,"

Amy and Tony .

Proud parents of Cpl. Adam , USMC

KIA 8/20/06 Iraq

From a PUblic Affairs Unit of 13 from National Guard in Iraq:

"Hello Denise,

Thanks for your efforts on our behalf. It's best to contact my wife direct about the concert/fund raiser. She is cc'd on this email and you can reach her at k...

God bless you and yours, who are working diligently on our behalf.

Warmest regards,

-SPC D.

GO UTES!!!"

From his wife:

"Thank You so much this is such a wonderful opportunity!!! I will definitely be there. I also forwarded this to my good friend Amy Jo J. whose husband is deployed with mine. She too would love to come!! I hope that that is okay, it sounded like that was fine though. I appreciate all that you are doing to help our soldiers. There is no way I could thank you enough."

"It took a few days, but we cleared out the ward, and now, for new patients coming in, they will find one of the messages you sent on their pillow, and one on the night stand. The pictures arent much, but I thought I'd show you anyway :-) Thanks!"

-A1C L.

-----Original Message-----
From: A1C L.
Sent: Sunday, October 05, 2008 2:41 PM
To: Letters to Soldiers
Subject: RE: F

Got your package today, and we're distributing the letters now. We also

have a guy here who's been giving the contact info for the emails so

some of the people will receive responses to the letters =)

Thanks again!

-Logan

-----Original Message-----

From: Letters to Soldiers

Sent: Friday, September 26, 2008 11:38 PM

To: Logan

Subject: RE:

I will get a package out asap for the wounded in your facility too, I

love sending them the special cards we get from children. This is very

exciting for us to help in this effort. Also remember when you do move,

to pass the batton onto the next unit in charge so all injured get our

cards and letters nonstop.

Thanks for looking into the military shipping if possible. My friend is

a Navy doctor in MD and he can help too. T hansk D.-----Original

Message-----

From: logan.lSent: Friday, September 26, 2008 1:14 PM

To: info@letterstosoldiers.org

Subject: CASF

I was wondering if I could register the facility I'm working at to

receive letters and other support items. We are the Contingency

Aeromedical Staging Facility located at A... Base, Kuwait.

We receive patients that have been medically evacuated from different

parts of Iraq, some battle injuries, but lots of other issues too. I

used to work at the CASF in Germany, which had a USO in the facility.

The USO provided lots of support type letters, posters, artwork, etc.

The CASF here in Kuwait doesn't have much of that, and I am in contact

with the USO and other organizations to help boost the morale of the

sick and injured troops on their way home. Is there a way we can

Respectfully,

-A1C L."

From: 1LT M. (From Utah Army Reserve Fort D.

Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 9:25 AM

To: St.

Subject: Re: RE: RE: RE: RE: Approved documents

Wow... That is awesome. Thank you so much for your support. We really do appreciate it over here.

Richard

1LT, USAR

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

(Have added the 259th for 85 Boxes. So thrilled to be able to do this.)

"09/25/08 Forwarded by Military Liaison LDS Church office for Chaplains:

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Denise-

Thank you for your support.

My unit is about 1000 men, so we would fit just right with what you would like to do for Christmas. My mailing address is below.

Blessings, Chaplain B."

“Denise,

I believe that the personal care products for the servicemen we have are now ready for pick up.

There are 3 pallets. How do we make the arrangements?

We are now in Springville behind our corporate building.

2089 Neways Drive

Building 2, Dock doors 14,15,16

Springville, Utah 84663”

Best regards,

Kevin Bowman

NEWAYS WORLD WIDE

Distribution/Assembly Department

Thank you KSL:

Audio

Operation Ensuring Christmas Concert

On Wed, November 5th there is a concert fund raiser sponsored by Operation Letters To Soldiers. They are trying to raise money to send letters and care packages to over 1500 Utah Soldiers, Airmen and marines who are deployed. Dan Truman, Ben Truman, Angela Winston, Miss Utah Army Sgt. GI Jill Stevens, and Drew Reese as well as several other artist will all be performing at this show. This event will be at Studio 600 in Salt Lake on November 5th at 7pm. Read more

Stockings volunteers:

"Yes I have some fabric of my own. Can you tell me dimensions and I could start while sitting with my mom. L"

"Do you have a pattern or specific size you need? We will try to get about 40-50 stockings done and will pass an envelope for donations as our meeting is the night of the concert.

We will also write notes to the soldiers if that is okay.

Thank you

shelley"

"My name is Mytchell Brush. We just had a election at my school, and I was voted Prime Minister. I promised to give letters and care packages to Canadian and American soldiers in Iraq if I was elected. I was reaching on your website and I was interested in what I saw. I was wondering if someone could give me more information about where to send the care packages and letters, and by what date do we have them in to get them there by Christmas. Thank you for your time.

From,

Mytchell Brush

Temple Baptist Christian Academy

Grade 5 Prime Minister

Those participating in Operation Ensuring Christmas: ( Updated daily) for interviewing us about our concert. Jed Boal of KSL you are our friend. And KSL and KJZZ Cafe in am watch 10am for Drew Reese singing his song about our flag.

Susan Alleman brought over 100 home made stockings made by her grandchildren, decorated the concert hall with her daughter that is serving in Iraq with beautiful Christmas trees. Shawn of Taylor audio and Evan of STudio 600 spent over 7 hours setting up sound system to be perfect with Drew Reese getting sound just right as our performers rehearsed. Thank you all that helped

Military Relations will have 3 representatives at the concert

as well as Don Hullenger. See you tonight—I’ll make a donation at the door.

Thanks for all your work.

Frank Clawson

To Whom It May Concern:

We are discussing Veterans Day in our sixth grade social studies classes. As a culminating activity, we would like to write letters to our soldiers on Iraq. Upon searching the Internet, I found your website. Could you please provide me with information regarding sending letters to the troops? We will be hand-writing them; therefore, I would like an address of where to send them once we have finished. In addition, is it likely that any soldiers will have an opportunity to write back? I would imagine this would be a wonderful experience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Alyssa Mortimer

Carson Middle School

Sixth Grade English, Reading, and Social Studies

The IDT Center of Christus St. Joseph Villa is interested in helping you with Christmas for our Troops.

We do not have money donations (potential is there) but we do have man power and we will collect donations of items on your list.

It would be helpful if we could have a contact name and number of someone from your organization who will help us facilitate our efforts. As far as contacts here at the Villa, primary contact person is myself, Linda Maestas, @ (801) 487-7557, extension 3117. Next would be Barbara Castillo, Social Services-(801) 487-7557, extension 3119, and Hailey Hadean, Director of Resident Activities-(801) 487-7557, extension 3110.

We look forward to hearing from you ASAP. We will be having a meeting to discuss the planning of how we will proceed with helping on November 11, @ 1:30 p.m.

Please let me know a deadline date, as well, so we can fine tune the efficiency in getting you help.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Maestas, Director of Medical Records St. Joseph Villa

Thank you Sandra and team at Ft. Douglas 96th Army Reserve, Marilyn, Mr. Young, Jennifer Yorgensen, Shawn of Taylor Audio, and Evan for the PA system, Tamra for helping me, Renee, Patti and Greg for doing it all, Susan and her daughter who's husband is serving in Iraq for doing so much for the families and decorating. Viv of Imperial Weddings for decorating the Stage and and all other volunteers helping with calling and put out flyers. And all the wonderful volunteers around the state that made this possible.

10/30/08

"PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHERE I CAN MAIL HOLIDAY CARDS TO YOU TO SEND TO OUR TROOPS OVERSEAS. WE ARE HAVING A MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY ON VETERAN’S DAY AND ASKING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS TO WRITE NOTES IN HOLIDAY CARDS TO SEND OUR TROOPS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO INSURE THAT THE CARDS REACH OUR TROOPS. THANK YOU,

KHILL"

" Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:54:32 -0600
From: rogb
Subject: [OH8 Oak Hills 8th singles ward] Concert to send Christmas packages to soldiers

Hola brothers and sisters,

Just a reminder about the concert that that Denise D. (a regular visitor and roommate of Esther in the ward) has organized to help send packages to our service men and women over in Iraq.
You can find info here:
http://letterstosoldiers.org
The church asked her to make sure that all LDS service men and women get something so they donated a $1000 to help get it going.
There's still a lot of money that needs to be raised so if you can come
next Wednesday, Nov 5th, please purchase a ticket to help out.
You can buy tickets at http://smithstix.com Click on Nov. 5th and then
it's "Operation Ensuring Christmas Concert".

NOTE: Want to carpool to the concert? Yes, it's in SLC. We'll meet at
the church at 5:00pm next Wednesday. Reply if you'll be coming and if you can drive.

10/31/08"I spent yesterday passing out flyers in Murray and Sandy…called and emailed many friends and relatives. Many folks had heard that I was performing and were excited to come. You are doing amazing. Good job Denise. You are the hero in this whole thing. Rick and I are practicing today so it will be fun. Hugs, Margo"

"OH I am so thrilled. Please have them write to info@letterstosoldiers.org and we will forward to those. I also have a SSG friend Jeffrey P. in Active Duty Army in San Diego working at a wounded warrior hospital who has asked me to come down to meet his commanders and the soldiers to share my program with them and get them lots of letters too. I am so honored to do anything I can to help Americans show their love and appreciation to all these heroes. I will send you more as I receive them. Thank you so much for writing back. I know this work is very important. I also plan on sending some special packages for Christmas around Dec. 1st if you can tell me how many wounded warrior heroes you have then. Thank you for allowing me to do this."

D. D.

http://www.letterstosoldiers.org

10/31/08

"On behalf of Simmons Media we will be adding this to our station websites and will be running liners to promote the event. Your PSA is scheduled in our rotation as well.

thank you,"Kayla Turner

Deseret News 10/31.08

"• OGDEN MOTHER INSPIRES SONG — "Everyday I'm Hanging On" is a new country song by Allison Janisse of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, which was co-written by the mother of a soldier, Tamra Lynn Smith of Ogden. KSOP is the only local radio station to have played the song, a popular independent county tune.

Janisse will be in Utah next week for her American premiere to highlight two benefits for "Operation Ensuring Christmas Concerts." The first will be Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7 p.m., at Salt Lake's Studio 600, 26 E. 600 South. The second will be Thursday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m., at the Outlaw, 1254 W. 2100 South, Ogden.

The majority of proceeds from the concerts will pay for the postage to ship Christmas packages to Utah soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tickets are available at SmithsTix for $12.50 or the cost will be $15 at the door.

Denise De Vynck, who is organizing the relief for soldiers, said another $13,000 (or at least 1,300 tickets sold) is needed to mail packages to soldiers. She stressed this the largest single such effort ever in Utah. Package contents have already been donated by many different organizations.

To volunteer for this effort, go to www.letterstosoldiers.org."

10/29/08 Build A Bear Corporation is donating $1,500 worth of certificates for the military families' kids of those deployed from Utah in the 142nd Unit in Afghanistan. (Click their logo on left to see some of the bears the kids can build for as low as $5 with these certificates.)

10/25/08

"our girl scout troop has just made christmas cards for troops and we need an address for send them so that they may be forwarded to troops overseas

we would appreciate your help in this

many thanks "

Tina Williams

troop 8596

10/29/08 "Hi Denise, Happy to help.

I’m requesting ten $10 certificates good at any of our restaurants – Sizzler, Red Robin, Ruby River Steakhouse, or Hoppers. Hope that helps you. I won’t have them until the beginning of next week. Can someone come by and pick them up here at our office in Murray?

Craig"

"Denise,

I believe that the personal care products for the servicemen we have are now ready for pick up. There are 3 pallets. How do we make the arrangements? We are now in Springville behind our corporate building.

2089 Neways Drive

Building 2, Dock doors 14,15,16

Springville, Utah 84663"

Best regards,

Kevin Bowman

NEWAYS WORLD WIDE

Distribution/Assembly Department

"Greetings!

I work for Emigration Court Apartments in downtown Salt Lake City. We have a community with 238 apartments and are interested in participating in your Christmas program for USA soldiers.

We would like to work with our residents to collect items and monetary donations that could be used for care packages. Then we could have an event one night where the residents help put together care packages to be mailed, or given to your organization.

Do you have a system in place for communities and organizations like ours? Are there any signs or promotional materials we could use?

I tried to find a phone number to call you on your website, but didn’t have any luck. What is the best number to get in touch regarding any questions?

Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you!"

Karen Jorgensen
Leasing Associate
Emigration Court

10/24/08 Wow we have Smithstix selling our Tickets, Jeff Childs of RC Willey wants to be part of this and we wil have drop off locations around Utah, and UPS is going to pack all the packages and working hard on logistics, and our wonderful honored guests of the 142nd and NG linguistics Units are RSVping, and all over wonderful volunteers are working so hard. Thank you all!! Together we can make this the most special Christmas all of Utah participated in together.

KJZZ Jazz Cafe interview live Monday 8:30am, then 10:30 am KSOP, and Johnson & JOhsnon from KBULL called today to find out more. WE are rollin now!!! WAy to go TAmra, Sandra and all my wonderful helpers.

10/27/08 Thank you KJZZ CAfe Brandy, former ARmy, for having us on your really cool show. Thank you also for volunteering to help at the concert. Thank you to all your wonderful staff.

Thank you KUTV2 for running our TV PSA spot this week.

Thank you STaples for $100 Gift Certificate of items needed like ink, paper, and tape.

Thank you Kim at KSOP for having us on your show and playing Allison Janisse's and Tamra Lynn Smith's #1 on Independent Network Country Charts and letting us know that 10 people called in after it aired and asked for it to be played again!! Thanks Kim for making us a PSA spot.

Thank you Studio 600 owner Steve for making us 100 free 11 x17 flyers to pass out. And for being so gracious to host this Concert.

Thank you Deseret News Editor Lee Benson for offering a front page Local Section of the Deseret News to tell everyone in Utah about Operation Ensuring Christmas and the Concert. Look for it Monday NOv. 3rd.

"I am a teacher at Murray High School. If I have my students write Christmas Cards, where do I mail them?

Haley Binggeli

Murray High School"

"I have seen all the emails on the community website on KSL and wondering how our Relief Society can help? We are having a humanitarian night on Nov 5th - what do you need?

I saw multiple postings for shoes, letters, stockings, clothing and such - are the letters just written to the soldiers in general?

Please let me know asap and we will get on it."

shelley s

"Hi Denise,

I have a young member who would like to donate $50.00 but not buy tickets (she does not want to take a seat away from someone)....( WE want her there, this concert is for all of our military and their families, there is enough room for all with a seperate concert hall next door)

How does that work?

Oh, and I have a few of us so far that will buy some tickets, but we want to work! We want to help with cleanup and so on!!!

Thanks for all that you do for us!"

Ali

//SIGNED//
Al.UTANG
Production Recruiter HAFB

10/23/08

10/22/07 "I am a Canadian citizen living in Ontario and my friend and I would like some information on how to send letters or books to soldiers in Iraq. We don't have anyone there that we know but would just like to send a letter to let them know that others are thinking about them."

10/21/08

"Denise,

Hey..how about that? We're going to start running promos..today..for Ensuring Christmas..on both stations. Cool! Hitting it hard.

Rick KBZN radio"

"Denise

I saw the article in the paper. I can make stockings if you can tell me what you need.

Lisa Warnick"

"D., I am willing to make Christmas stockings for soldiers if you will send me the specifications: pattern, what kind of fabric, etc. Lou"

"Around 10 of us will be there on Saturday Nov. 29^th to help with packages if you will tell us when and where. You are doing a great job. Hugs, Margo"

In the meantime, we have decided to give all military members and their families a 50% discount on every card they order.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Randy G. Barney

Business Development Manager

Card Café

Denise,

Upon hearing about your project, Card Café was determined to find a way to help with your noble cause in sending Christmas to those who are fighting for our freedoms. As you requested, we are promoting the concert to all of the employees of our two companies; Card Café and Rocky Mountain Printing. In addition, we would like to set up a branded website for Operation Ensuring Christmas. We will waive both the $990 set up fee and any monthly maintenance fees; we will also be discounting the cost of the cards for your supporters. This site will be totally free of charge to your charity. We will discount the price of the cards so you can offer it as a service. This is an easy to use online site for creating and ordering cards, we then print these cards on heavy card stock, and mail them in a personalized envelope with a first class stamp. You can see a brief overview of how this works in a 3 minute online video. You can go here to view it: http://www.1to1specialists.com/charities/charitybuilder.htm" Barney

"My team and I are interested in supporting the troops during the upcoming Veterans Day time period. I oversee 8 retail locations in the Denver and Colorado Springs area and would like to know how we can get you letters from our customers, families and friends that would all be interested in letting the troops know how much their efforts are appreciated. How can we make this happen and get these letters to your organization?

Thank you,"

Dustin Bartel

District Manager Select Comfort

Denver South

One of my co-workers is in Afghanistan. He asked if we could collect some toys for a hospital in his area. I put up a sign at work and the response was overwhelming. I have shipped 4 boxes to him and still have a lot of toys left. One son of an employee did his Eagle Scout Project to collect toys. I have not see what he collected. He said it was 9 boxes. I do not know if my friend can use all the toys. Can you use some of these?

Joanne Hansen

( we referred her to Operationchristmas.org that serves children of Fallen Soldiers. ) Please give toys to them, and food to the Food Banks of Utah this year!!

"Hello,

I am in charge of a leadership club called Youth 2000 at my elementary school. I am a third grade teacher and there are 4th and 5th graders in the club. Last year we raised money for the Blue Star Mothers to send packages over to Iraq. It was called "Pennies for Postage" and it was great! We would like to do another service project for our troops this year and we just recently received an email about this operation. Please let me know how our school can help. We can raise money, or write letters, or collect items, or all three. It looks like the email from Denise D. said that we would need to get the items/money to our district office by Nov.

25th. Great. Just let me know."

Jamie .

3rd Grade Teacher Canyon Elementary Hyrum, Utah

"Hi, this is Susan in Utah County. My grandchildren and I have 104 stockings for this marvelous project. They spent the weekend with me and had a ball getting the stockings decorated . When do you want them brought and where? Also, my son's wife, (the wife of my soldier) and I would love to help on the 29th.
We may even have a few more volunteers for that day. Where and what time? I sent an email to all of my teachers today encouraging them to get some projects done for the stockings. What day do I need to have those to you? Also, do you need volunteers for the concert still? I would love to help with anything you can use me for. We would also be very interested in helping get the mailing labels ready if you can give me more info on that. Or do you still need rice krispie treats or more stockings. Just let me know.

Thanks so much for the amazing work you are doing.

Susan "

Susan

Lead Secretary

Cedar Ridge Elementary

"I am on the Board of Directors for the One Voice Children's Choir that is performing at your November 5 event. I am also a member of the Civil Air Patrol Squadron in Salt Lake City.

I was wondering if you might have need of our Cadets at the November 5th event as ushers, or a Color Guard. Many of the young men and women in the CAP Program have a desire to join the military,and this could be an opportunity for them to show their support of our troops in a different way than they are used too.

"Thanks,"

Marc Goldberg

10/18/08 We with to give a big Thank You and love to one very special business manager of a store that lost its European investors and had to close all of its stores Mariposa Beautiful Evening Gowns. Thank you Mariposa Stores for donating clothes for our military families to have a wonderful Christmas. When people were ravaging through the store floor and offering so little for treasures, this wonderful woman saw us putting flyers for our event, and she told us to gather all we could take for the families of the military this Christmas. What an angel. Thank you Kristina. YOu and your family are our guests at our Christmas Concert. We will get these to wives and daughters of our deployed military and utilize the rest to raise funds for the shipping to their husbands, fathers and sons.

Thank you Ryan and SAm at FOX13 for interviewing our wonderful National Guard family teen McKensie about our Concert. Thank you KZHT and KOSY of Clearchannel and Jeff Cochran for the interviews and running our PSA on your websites.

10/17/08 "Denise,

The picking up the posters in SLC is a problem. Can you send the poster in digits (attached to an email) and we will reproduce them here. I need to have posters available ASAP to stock in the Veterans Office at UVU. Our email will direct the student veterans to pick up posters there. If you require them to sign up and come to SLC to pick the posters up, I feel that no one would participate. Let me know soonest. Jim

James G. Hunter Associate Director

Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security Utah Valley University"

Thank you Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints & Deseret Management Corporation for the $1,000 donation for the shipping of these packages. $14,000 to go!! Thank you James E. Reed DAV member for donating $100 for the shipping. Thank you Cafe Rio for the $500 donation, Thank you Dayne's Music for lending us a Grand Digital Piano, and thank you Utah Air National Guard for your wonderful help and donations like $50 from one member. Thank you UPS for offering to pack the 1,500 packages and donating the packaging tape and shrink wrap.

Thank you FUZE for supplying the drinks at the Concert. Support Polar Bears, buy FUZE drinks: http://polarbears.thecoca-colacompany.com/polarbearsupportfund/index.jsp (Thank you Sandra for getting this)

A VERY BIG THANK YOU GOES TO OUR WONDERFUL FRIENDS OF CHURCHES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS, COMPANIES THAT ARE GENEROUSLY GIVING AND MAKING THIS PROJECT POSSIBLE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND THANK YOU SO MUCH. And another Huge THank YOu to our wonderful military and military family volunteers at Ftl Douglas, in our National Guard, at HAFB, Marines and others for all you do to collect cards, put up flyers and help get the word out like Bernadette and BArney, you guys are GOld, SAndra and her team at Ft. Douglas my right hand and angels, Kristen thank you so much, and everyone else in the military we really love you!! Thank you for your service and all your great sacrifices you and your families make for all of us. And our amazing team of volunteers like DAV Dan Rioux, DAV couple in St. George Steven and Barbara Duke, Marilyn and your grand daughter in W. Jordan, Linda, Michael, Lisa and Angie my fellow LDS single Friends, Paul, Jerry and others for sending it out on your email lists, and Misty in Heber getting your family on board. We could never do all this without each and everyone of you all stepping up to help out. And our wonderful artists Margo Watson, Wendy our angel Lanternlane, Angela, Rick, DAn Truman and Sister Truman. You guys are so wonderful to also help in every way you can. Thank you. Denise Thank you DAV Mr. Reed for your generous donation of $100 and for your great service in our Air Force. Thank you companies and the LDS Church Foundation for all your great Humanitarian Aid you give to people all over the world and here at home. And all the churches that give so much support to everyone. Thank you Bro. Hales and the First Presidency for your kind words. We sure love you!!

Thank you Evan Stowers for putting the sound together for this concert. And Shawn of Taylor audio helping out also. Taylor audio brought the state, PA system and sound board at our WElcome HOme Troop Celebration June 14th and engineered the whole concert beautifully.

Anyone know how to post on MySpace? Put up a 30 second radtio and TV spot? Videos of our performers? Find me on MySpace and be my friend!

10/16/08 Thank you The Eagle Radio Station, FM100 Radio also for interviewing Margo Watson and LEtters to Soldiers about this event and huge project. Thank you KSL, KUTV2 and ABC4 for running our PSA TV Spot. Thank you ABC4 Roxy for interviewing us last night and airing the interview on the 10pm News.

10/13/08 What a dear friend to our Miitary and our Veterans Rick Lindsay of KBZN is. Thank you Rick for doing an interview to air this Sunday at 5:45am, and making our 30 Second Radio PSA. And Steve Ames fo STudio 600 and his creative team for giving us the most beautiful venue to hold a concert. and Angela and Tyron for coming to all the radio interviews and getting the word out in your church and friends. And Brother and Sister DAn Truman of Diamond Rio, how sweet you are. I can't tell you how blessed we are to have such genuine and generous celebrities in our efforts as missionaries with our own talents. How blessed your family is to have such wonderful parents. And Margo Watson you are just the dearest and hardest working right hand that reallly keeps me going. And my dear new friend Sandra at Ft. Douglas 96th, what would I do without you doing so much for me. Thank you all for making my job so much easier and keeping me going with your great attitudes. I am grateful for all the wonderful volunteers helping this effort move forward in such a positive way.

10/12/08

"My name is Samantha and I attend Cal State University, Northridge. My organization and I are holding a large event (2000+ attendees) on campus and were looking at some sort of philanthropy at this event. Could you please send me some more information about how to go about writing letters to soldiers. Thank you.

Samantha Anne L.
Customer Service Supervisor
Satellite Student Union
University Student Union, Inc.
Cal State University, Northridge

From OH8th Provo/Orem Singles ward:

FHE Operation Ensuring Christmas Project

Tuesday October 14th 7 PM in the Relief Society Rm.

We will be making Christmas Cards for Soldiers from Utah serving in Iraq and wounded Soldiers. Denise will bring scrapbooking paper and stickers. If everyone can bring scissors, she has glue sticks, and if you have cool calligraphy pens or markers.

We will also be making fun Christmas Stockings. She needs to collect 1,500 by Thanksgiving for 1,500 packages. She has some fabric and will bring a few fabric scissors if any girls can bring some. If you have any fabric that would work at home, please bring too.

"Hello Denise!

I hope this gets to you. Really, I am honored that you would even want me there and apart of this... it sure means a lot! I wish there were two of me ;)

Definitely plan on me being there near the end. I will try to shorten my presentation as much as possible to get there in plenty of time.

Attached you will find a headshot that you can do whatever with. I will send another photo that I believe will be great for advertising. It is really high pixel so I hope it can send.

Thanks again Denise. I hope you are able to rest some with how hard you are working. Thanks for all that you do!"

Jill

Jill Miss Utah 2007

Army National Guard

"Operation Letters to Soldiers

Purpose:

To provide individual military personnel with cards, small gifts, letters, posters from young people at North Layton Junior High as part of a state wide effort to support our troops.

Discuss with the student officers several ideas including using the October 23^rd Jeans Day as a way of raise some of the $14,000. 00 needed to send the 1,500 boxes of cards and gifts."

We are excited!

Dave

Principal,

North Layton Junior High

"As military ourselves I know how important it is to take care of our soldiers and I will tell as many people as I can about this benefit as well as do what I can to help. Thank you and God Bless. " Utah National Guard wife

"I am in charge of scheduling activities on Tuesdays for our students and would like to participate in this event. If we want to make cards, how would you like them to be done and what other details would we need in order to make them correctly for you?

Is there anything else that can be done at our school?"

10/10/08

"I am the head room mother of the 5th grade at Deerfield Elementary in Cedar Hills Utah.

We are looking for a service project and wondered how we could be helpful.

If you have something 120 5th graders can do please let me know.

Thank you for all you do! We love our troops!"

Emily

Hi Denise,

Before we send this information out to principals, we need to have answers to a couple of questions:

1) Are you prepared to pick up the 60,000+ letters we could potentially collect?

2) Are we okay asking non-Christian students to make Christmas cards or are they just thank you cards?

I would appreciate any other updated information you can share with me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,"

Kevin Hague

Assistant Superintendent Granite School District

(Reply oh yes we have military and moms and disabled veterans to pick them up and 1000s of military and hospitals waiting for them. All grateful Americans can write of all faiths, what ever they feel in their heart to write. Thank you)

"This is Rachel Hamblin from West Point Elementary and we would love to participate in this program! Please let me know what specifications you have for the Christmas cards (how big, do they need to be in envelopes, etc.). We are very excited to be part of something so wonderful, thank you for the opportunity! Rachel Hamblin S.E.M. T. A. West Point Elementary "

"I am a Proud Navy wife and I was wanting to have my son's class make christmas cards and write letter to our Troops for this holiday party that they will have. I have no idea where to start nor who I need to address about sending them to our troops. I would have like to make them personal but as of right now I have no one who is in the Middle East. If you can let me know who I need to contact about this issue I will be ever so greatful!!

Thank you so much for your help"

Jennifer

10/08/08"

How do we send letters and care packs to soldiers for the holidays?" Nicole Medlock

A/P Expense Coordinator ATLANTIC GROUP

10/09/08 "Hi Denise,

You had called and mentioned that you were available for Oct 18th for interviews in Salt Lake? I have sent the request to Programming and I think we may be able to accommodate but we will not be able to have any of the artists on with music. We can do a quick interview with you on The Eagle promoting the event.

I will find out what time works and will let you know."

Thank you,

Kayla Turner

Promotions Director 101.5 The Eagle

"I am the mother of a 9yr old Jr. Girl Scout in Portland, Oregon. She loves ALL of our Soldiers and would love to be able to help and lift the spirits of as many Soldiers as we can this Holiday Season. We are looking for a place where we can drop off a bunch of Christmas cards that we are putting together. Do you have a local drop off site or contact? Please let me know. We would love to help as much as we can all year long.

Sincerely,

Brandy Church

Proud Jr. Girl Scout Mom"

XOXO GOD BLESS!!!!

10/07/08 "Hey Denise!

You always do such a terrific job - all your planning and efforts really make local military support come together!

I was thinking that with Halloween coming very soon that perhaps Operation Ensuring Christmas could recruit some dentists and/or orthodontists to partner and sponsor a Halloween Candy Buy-Back where the dentists/orthodontists pay kids a couple of bucks a pound for their halloween candy then donate the candy to Operation Ensuring Christmas to sweeten the holiday shipments.

Perhaps dentists/orthodontists could even pledge matching (or some other amount) funds for help with shipment costs. This is an excellent way for dentists/orthodontists to show community support by encouraging the health of kids as well as recognition of military families.

It is certainly great PR and a feel-good story that TV and newspapers are likely to help spread.

I wish I had somebody specific to give you as a lead, I do know that Dr. Terry Preece in Layton has done a candy buy-back in the past with support going to the Utah Food bank, but it would be great to have someone in Utah county show support and lead the way down here.

Just a thought - keep up the good work!"

Becky & James L.
Pleasant Grove, UT

North Layton Jr. High School Principal David Turner contacted us today to let us know that their school will not only make cards at their Assembly they hold in November, but also with their Community Council and STudent Council will raise $500 towards the shipping costs of the 1,500 packages these cards will be part of. Thank you so much for your support, enthusiasm and generosity.

Lindon Elementary Principal Jason Theler is also on board with their Patriotic Assembly to make cards also. We will be sending all schools a flyer for the concert and they will put it in their newsletter. Highland Elementary Principal Reed Hastin also. Timberline Jr. High Principal Terry HIll, Legacy Elementary Gary Gibb. Our Star Principal Jim Young of American Fork Jr. High that made 300 Christmas cards last year and then 300 more for Valentine's Day for the Utah National Guard 145th while they were in Iraq is also on board in a big way!! We love our Principals.

"How can my class of 4^th graders participate in this project?"Tingey

Lewiston, Elem. Cache County, Utah

"Hello,

We are a small group of Young Women's organization. We have 17 girls (12-17 yr) and 9 women and we are wondering if there is anything we could do to help out with your cause. Please email me back and let me know and I will pass it along asap! Thanks you, Patricia C."

10/05/08 "My name is Desiree Holloway and I am the vice president for my high school's Key Club. I go to Bloomington High School in California and since our club is a service organization, I thought that sending care packages to soldiers would be perfect for our club. We had originally planned on sending our care packages in christmas stockings through another organization but since we started the project late, it isn't likely that we'll make the deadline. I was wondering if i could get information to possibly send the care packages that we collect to your organization. Any information on shipping details and dates would be great. Please please give me information because making sure the soldiers are accomodated is a very deep concern of mine.

Thanks!
Desiree H."

"I am a first grade teacher at Maeser Elementary, Uintah School District in Vernal, and I would love to get some cards to you from our school! I have a brother-in-law who is a Marine, he hasn't been deployed yet...., but I would love to help those who have! I will contact all of our Teachers and hopefully we will have a lot for you! I want to make sure that I understand what I need to do... I should have them to my District Office by November 25! Please let me know if I need to do anything else!

Thank you,

Kristin O.

10/01/08 "This past weekend was the Tooele Rendzvous. I talked to the people in charge and asked if we could write the letters to our Soldiers. And everyone even thought writing the letters wasn't primative were all for it... they even had a tent in the middle of traders row that they set me up in.

SSG Johnson and myself were able to get about 350 Christmas cards and pictures written for our Soldiers.

Please let me know how I can get them to you.

Thank you,"

Bernadette C.

" work with the my county's 4-H program and I have 8 in-school 4-H clubs looking for ways to make a difference in the community. Can you give me specifics of what the kids can make i.e. cards, letters, pictures, etc. to send to our troops and where these can be sent to?

Thank you,

Leigh H.

Faulkner County 4-H Agent

Faulkner County, Arkansas

Leigh Helms
Faulkner County CEA 4-H / Family & Consumer Sciences
110 S. Amity Road, Suite 200
Conway, AR"

Thank you Shotgun at KBULL 93 for interviewing us and always supporting Leters To Soldiers.

09/27/08 Disabled Veterans Auxiliary Association wives are making some Christmas Stockings for us, we have some fabric and need more people to volunteer to sew stockings.

09/28/08 "I am a 4th grade teacher at River Heights Elementary school in Cache County School District. I would love to have my class help or even make it school wide. We did something similar last year and the response was great. I also belong to a knitters guild and I am sure we could help there as well. Please let me know what is needed most.

In addition, my very good friend owns a soap, lotion shampoo, hand sanitizer company and I am sure she would love to help too.

Please let me know how I can help.

Thanks Renee A. N."

"I can help by picking up cards from the schools in utah county any schools, i can also contact the schools about the cards, my husband is a soilder(not currently deployed) and i would love to help Thanks Lisa N. please email me at thanks please call and let me know what i can do" (Wow do we need help with this, thank you LIsa)

Lisa

09/25/08 LDS Church Military Missionaries office that sends out retired military couples to support our LDS military just offered 800 "Sharing Time" Ocapella singles with children CD for our troops this Christmas. Thank you

My son's Middle School, is part of an International Baccalaureate program in the Austin Independent School District, Austin Texas. The kids are encouraged through their curriculum and community involvement to ocus on global issues and philanthropy work. My son and his friends are interested in sponsoring a letter writing and/or gift giving event for our troops in Iraq.

Will you please provide me with additional information as to how best to go forward with this idea ?

Several questions I had ...

1. How do we register our event ?

2. Where do we get the list of soliders to send items or cards to ?

3. Is there a minimum we need to send ?

4. Other pertinent info ?

Please advise.

Warmest regards ... and thank you for all you do !

Mary Ann Auster

Austin, Texas

"Administrators,

For the second year, Operation Ensuring Christmas for Our Troops, is asking Utah school children to make Christmas/Thank You cards for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan with ties to Utah. All cards would need to be sent to the district office before the Thanksgiving Break to ensure that they arrive to the troops in time for Christmas. For more information see their website at http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/

Please share with all you feel would be willing to be involved with this project.

Thanks,

Nate Taggart, Weber School District Superintendent"

> From: Darrell White [Sanpete County

> Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 12:00 PM

> To: Letters to Soldiers

> Subject: Re: interested

> GREAT!

> Sign us up. We are a small school. Our school size is about 170

> students, but we will do our best. I have four sons in the National

> Guard. Three have been to Iraq."

Denise

I received the e-mail below from one of our chaplains in Iraq. I don’t know if your organization gets involve in these sort of things, but I thought it would be good to pass it on to you. Chaplain Harding would be an excellent contact for your letters and care packages to soldiers that you sponsor.

Thanks

Frank Clawson

From: Chaplain B) September 21, 2008 4:57 AM
To: Latter-day Saint Charities LDS-Charities
Cc: Frank Clawson; Richard Whaley
Subject: [U] Humatarian Service in Iraq

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

LDS Charities-

I’m an LDS chaplain currently serving in Iraq. When I was here last year I requested and received some clothing items from the churches Humanitarian Services Department. I have lost my contact information for the person I was working with last year.

I am wondering if we could do the same thing this year. The area that my unit serves is rural and very poor. Many children do not have shoes. What I am requesting are shoes and coats. Believe it or not it actually gets fairly cold here in the winter months. Not as cold as Utah, but down into the 30s & 40s.

I cc’d Brother Frank Clawson who is the director of the churches Military Relations Department, just in case you needed to verify that this a legitimate request.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Blessings,

Chaplain B.

Denise-

I offered you an interview in an email I sent you yesterday . Are you able to make it?

Thanks!

Rebecca

FM100

(Thanks Brian and Rebecca for talking about our Concert on your morning show of FM100)

09/25/08

The Peer Leaders at North Ogden Jr. High are interested in promoting the Letters To Soldiers campaign. Please let us know more specific information.

Thanks!

Dominique Sanders

Cheerfully,
Dominique Sanders
NOJH Counselor

09/24/08 Thank you DJ Shawn Phillips for offering to DJ the dance fundraiser.

"Jaden would love to participate. Anytime during the 1st two weeks in Nov would be fine.

Thanks for all your hard work in lifting the spirits of our brave troops.

You truly are an inspiration to us all.

Jeff Bliss"

THank you Coach Mark Weber and the BYU Football team for signing BYU Football team items and writing letters to add to this effort!!! Thank you BYU AThletic Department Bob and Cindy WAkefield for your help.

"Do you have specifications for the stockings? Also, the knit/crochet caps? I would like to help." Deanna.

Hi Denise,

We would love to donate 1,000 copies of “The Christmas Box” to your cause for the soldiers. Would it be possible for you to pick them up at the office? I just need to know when you would be here so I can get them from the warehouse.

Our address is: .

Best,

Chrystal H.

Richard Paul Evans, Inc.

Saw you ad, what is the timeline for gathering stuff? I just started knitting these really cute fingerless gloves, I’d love to get a bunch knit up and donate them. Let me know. Would knit hats be better fingerless gloves or both? Stuff for both men and women? Are there guidelines on colors or anything?

Gina

“Denise,

Thanks for the email! When could we set up an interview with anyone involved with this program? And, get some pictures of the donations, boxes, etc?

Andy Teerlink

Managing Editor

ABC 4 News”

Hello,
I am interested in sending letters to soldiers. Please send me contacts and or information on how I can do this.
Thank you,
kimberly

Kimberly Anne Marie B.

“Denise can I forward this to the radio station? Simmons Movin 100.7

Maybe we can do a fund raiser DANCE ??? suggestions????

I sent your last email to the radio station and havent heard anything back yet.

I really need for them to get behind this. I can offer my services to play music

Shawn Phillips”

“My name is Lisa C. and I live in Holly Springs, NC. Last year you assisted me in helping to send the Christmas cards that my daughter, her classmates, and her neighborhood friends made to the troops overseas.

I would love to assist and am already thinking of ways to do so. I know the children LOVED making cards last year and perhaps we could make stockings from felt and decorative for the men and women overseas. I could easily get 100 stockings made as well as 100 Christmas cards along with a monetary donation of $100.

Would that help?

Sincerely,

Lisa C.”

"Denise D.

The Governor will be happy to provide some welcoming remarks at the beginning of this event."

Andrea ...utah.gov

Let's help an organization that has been sending letters to soldiers since 2003 and was started by a soldier serving in Iraq:

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

Everyone,

I received this from another organization, and just wanted everyone to know:

To all Any Soldier House Raffle ticket purchasers,

Today is October 31, 2008, and we only have 450 tickets for the raffle, a very large shortfall of the 9000 tickets we need. We have one opportunity to extend the date to December 31, 2008, with the drawing to be held on January 15, 2009.

Please tell all your family and friends about the raffle's extension and ask for their support. Without a large TV media coverage (which we have been trying for two months, but it seems the economy and the election have taken every minute of their time), we need everyone's help and support to make this happen for our troops. Also, if you know of any TV media, Radio, newspaper, website that might be interested, there is press release on the www.AnySoldierHouseRaffle.com website. Feel free to contact them yourselves or have contact me by e-mail at Christina@AnySoldier.com .

I have not given up yet and hope that the holidays give us a burst of sales that we need. God Bless to you all and cross your fingers.

Also - Many of our raffle ticket purchasers indicated they would like us to retain the proceeds even if the conditions of the raffle were not met. We very much appreciate your support of Any Soldier. Because we are conducting the raffle pursuant to regulated requirements, we are unable to retain the funds and will return your money as set forth in the raffle rules if we do not meet our required amount of ticket sales. However, we are a non-profit charitable organization and depend upon public contributions to continue providing our services. If you would like to resubmit the funds, we would be very grateful for the donation. Because the funds will be contributed as a donation, they will be tax deductible for these purposes. So, if for some reason the raffle does not go off, I will send an e-mail with this same paragraph reminding people of their options. Thank you.

Christina Christina

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