The members of First Lutheran Church want to do something for our soldiers overseas.  We have started Operation Spirit from the Heart of the Rockies.  We are asking the community to give us names and addresses of service personnel currently stationed overseas.  Information may be given to Sarah Dreher, our church secretary, by calling 539-4311 between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, Tuesday through Friday.  An APO address is needed for shipping. 

 

You are welcome to help pack boxes on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m.. Our next shipment will be packed on Tuesday, August 25, 2008, in the church basement. We have mailed 301 boxes to date.

 

Please look at the list below:

 

DONATIONS TO SEND TO OUR TROOPS

 

FOOD                                                                            TOILETRIES

Homemade baked goods                                              Lip balm / chap stick

Beef Jerky / Slim Jims (no pork)                                   Eye drops

Sealed snacks                                                               Eye wash

Gum, hard candy, crackers                                           Sunscreen

Instant drink mixes                                                        Body wipes-sealable packets

Fruit roll-ups                                                                  Foot powder (no aerosols)

Tuna in packets (not cans)                                           Good smelling soaps

Emer’gen-C                                                                  

 

ENTERTAINMENT                                                       MISCELLANEOUS

Church sermons (copies)                                              Pre-paid cards (AT&T only)

New sports / newsmagazines                                        Black or white cotton socks

Crossword puzzles                                                        Black wool socks

Games                                                                           Stationary

DVD movies (new / used)                                              Single packet laundry soap (power only)

Music CD’s (new / used)                                                Generic sunglasses

Travel-sized games                                                        AA batteries

 

PRAYERS AND HAND-WRITTEN LETTERS OF ENCOURAGEMENT ALWAYS APPRECIATED

 

Monetary Donations gladly accepted to cover Shipping Costs – Make checks to First Lutheran Church, and write “Troops” on the memo line.

 

Bring Donations to First Lutheran Church 1237 F Street – Salida

9:00 AM – 12 noon Tuesday through Friday OR Sundays at 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

 

Tax receipts available in the Church Office

Pack boxes 4th Tuesday of each month

Join us to write letters, complete customs forms, and pack boxes

Operation Spirit from the Heart of the Rockies

Be strong in the Lord, and in his mighty Power.  

Ephesians 6:10

Notes from the Soldiers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cell Phones For Soldiers

 

Operation Spirit from the Heart of the Rockies is sponsoring a new program  -  Cell Phones for Soldiers.  This program is a non-profit organization that collects old cell phones and recycles them for cash.  The proceeds are used to buy prepaid calling cards for our soldiers serving in the Middle East.  The goal is to provide every US soldier with a way to call home for free.  This program was started two teenagers, Brittany and Robbie Bergquist of Norwell, MA with $21 of their own money.  Wal-Mart in Salida has graciously allowed us to use their store as the official drop-off site.

 

We are asking that you drop off any and all of your old cell phones when you are shopping at Wal-Mart.

 

We at First Lutheran Church thank the community, for sharing with donations of cash and other items to send to the soldiers.  These soldiers are a blessing to our country and we thank them for their service.

“Dear Members of the First Lutheran Church of Salida. 

I am writing to thank you for all the support you have provided during my deployment.  I am sending you an American Flag which was flown in Iraq on 24 Mar 2008 during a Medevac Mission.  The flag was on board the aircraft during the mission.  Along with the flag is a certificate with all of the crewmembers signatures.  I am doing well here and enjoy my job.  Although things here can be a bit like Ground Hog day, it is good to know we are able to contribute.  Once again thank you for all of the support.  Recently, the phone cards came in.  I am passing them out to those who need calling cards.  Thank you.  Also, thank you for the bandanas.  All of the items you have sent have been timely and much appreciated.  Please take care. 

Respectfully,

Brandon Sanchez”