got too many toys? please help!

(If you already know about Edmay Mayers and her wonderful work with the children of Iraq, and have donated, you can skip this post. If you don't, then read on, my friend!)

I read about this long ago on ParentHacks and have been avidly following the story. I admit, I have yet to send anything but as we swing into spring (FINALLY!) here in the midwest, I have already begun my box of toys, clothing and school supplies to send to Iraq for Edmay.

Enter Edmay Mayers. Edmay has started a wonderful ministry for the children of Iraq. Politics aside, those children did not ask for war or insurgency or any of the other horrors that are now happening to them. Regardless of who's to blame for the situation, the fact remains that there are many children there who are doing with too little. A serviceperson stationed in Iraq (who voluntarily agreed for an extension to her tour to continue her wonderful work) who is gathering donated toys, clothing and other things to distribute to the children in Iraq and to the orphanages there. Please visit ParentHacks and read about her work and read the comments as she, too reads and replies there. She has gotten other branches of the armed forces involved and they are busy distributing the things that we can send.

Happily, because we can send to an APO, shipping to Iraq costs the same as it does to ship in the US. And if you go here, you can get free supplies to box your donations in to send. (click here for instructions on the shipping supplies and other ideas about shipping.) So clean out those playrooms and closets. You'll get a great feeling for the price of shipping and knowing that a little child somewhere in the world was made happy by your donation is priceless! Don't have kids or are already rabid about decluttering? Go to a site like Oriental Trading Company where they have very inexpensive stuffed animals and school supplies and have it shipped directly there. Be sure to send it SAM (space available mail) as that is the least expensive and works just as well as priority although if you click through to the shipping supplies link, you'll see more ideas on how to ship inexpensively.

Comments

[Lauren]

[this is good] My friend and I got together and shipped a bunch of stuff to Iraq last month, I think this is a fabulous project! Thanks for getting the word out!

[GinBaby]

Thanks for posting this.  Just today I found an old box of my son's toys, mainly stuffed animals that he has barely touched.  Why do people feel such a compulsion to give him stuffed animals?  He can only really handle so many. 

Now, anyway, there will be something good to do with them. 

[handmadelove]

Heyho. I dont have an etsy site, but I'm selling my stuff to interested international buyers..So do check my flickr for prices.. and if youre interested, do drop me an email :D








http://www.flickr.com/photos/handmadelove/sets/72157594559505604/

[northerngeek]

[this is good] this is an awesome idea...thanks for shairng it

[Edmay]

[this is good] This is wonderful.  Thank you so much for posting my story on your website.  This is such a blessing - I am always looking for new blogs about the children and toys.  This is what keeps it going here for us.  I once again have a conex filled with toys but that is okay.  I just have to go through them, sort them and pack them and get the 82nd and/or 1/34th out to fill up their 5 ton truck again.  I still have not spoken with the Romanian Forces but I really need to do that soon.  Time just flys by here, days roll into one and before you know it - the entire month is gone.  I will be on leave in May to June I will return the beginning of June but keep sending items.  I have a lady that will put them in the conex for me and if I am lucky I may be able to get a few ladies to sor and pack them while I am gone.  I will work on that tomorrow.  I truly just wanted to thank you and let you know that I have read your blog - God Bless you for this.  Best to all /Edmay USACE GRS APO AE 09331

[Edmay]

Hi all.  I am back in Iraq and would love to have boxes of toys, school supplies, clothes or any 'gently' used items the children of Kirkuk could use.  My new address is:

Edmay Mayers

USACE - GRN

FOB - Warrior - Kirkuk

APO  AE 09359

I will be here at least a year with hopes of it turning into two  years.  We would love to distribute items to the local children of Kirkuk.  Everything sent is very much appreciated by us, the children and their parents.  Thanks and God bless each of you.

/Edmay