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et al.: More details on the Iraq blanket program
By WDavidStephenson | December 11, 2007
Here are some more details on the charitable program to provide new blankets to poor Iraqis that one of my son’s team members created and that my son took over when the guy was rotated back to the states. Regardless of what we may think about the war, this is a cheap, efficient way to get lifesaving blankets to poor Iraqis (yes, it does get cold there at this time of year):
News from Soldiers Helping Those in Need — Iraq
Contacts:
W. David Stephenson
617 314-7858
D.Stephenson@stephensonstrategies.com
Major Alexander D. Stephenson
adstephenson1@yahoo.com
Medfield soldier takes over program donating new blankets to Iraqi civilians
Medfield, MA (Dec. 10, 2007) Army Major Alexander D. Stephenson, a Medfield native stationed in Iraq, is running “Soldiers Helping Those in Need — Iraq,” a charitable program donating new blankets to impoverished Iraqi citizens. For only $6.75, including shipping, Americans can donate a new blanket through the group’s website, http://www.blankets.com/iraq-soldiers-donations.html.Army Sgt. Steve J. Stephens, a medic, created the program. Major Stephenson took over its administration when Stephens recently returned to the US. “Soldiers Helping Those in Need” is a completely voluntary program on the part of individual soldiers, with no government involvement. According to Stephens, “Thousands of Iraqi people have no heat or electricity. It is the mission to make a positive difference in many lives, and as simple as a blanket may be to those back home, a blanket to those that have nothing is more of a necessity then it is a want.”
Contrary to popular opinion, Iraq has cold nights at this time of year.
The team hand the blankets out to Iraqis, along with toys and candy. They have already distributed more than 3,500 blankets, In one day they went door-to door, and gave out 300 blankets, 250 Beanie Babies, and 8 pounds of candy.
Stephens, a Portland native and former Oregon State basketball player, has created a number of other charitable programs in the past, including swimming 10 miles for pediatric cancer patients, and 24 hours for victims of domestic abuse in Las Vegas. He is also writing a book, “Meditations on Life Through the Eyes of a Soldier,” and plans to tour as a motivational speaker.
One participant in the blanket program, Sheila Oakley of Lake Wales, FL, said, “ I got my church involved in his project and spearheaded the efforts back here to get other churches involved as well … I am so pleased to know that his cause will carry on even after he leaves Iraq.”
Hope you’ll consider donating!
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