SPREAD THE WORD: Send your used stuffed animals and toys to children in Iraq

Updated 7/08: Edmay's comrade has taken over her role, and is still accepting toy, clothing and supply donations. Send your donations to:

Michael R. Fellenz
USACE-GRN-MAO
FOB Marez
APO-AE
09334

I am speechless. I just got an email from Edmay Mayers, a member of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers who is currently stationed in Iraq. She read the post on where to donate stuffed animals, and offered her own suggestion:

Please, please, please – I know where you can give all the stuffed animals and toys away – I am presently stationed (deployed) in Iraq. The children here love the stuffed toys – I can hardly keep up with the cost of them – I am continuously ordering more and more from Oriental Trading Company and candy for the young ones too. If there is any way at all please have any and all sent to me at the address listed below and I will ensure that the children in Iraq receive all that is sent.

When I sent a followup note to be sure I had the proper address, here was her reply:

The mailing address is as follows:

Edmay Mayers
USACE - GRS
APO AE 09331

That is all there is --- it will reach me and I will give them to our PSD teams who will be more than happy to give them to the children. Please see attached photo of some of the children here that were given candy and stuffed animals on the road. These are the poorest of the poor here in Iraq - down the back roads. They are precious, innocent little ones who are just caught up in all the mess - they are beautiful.

I Googled Edmay to find out more, and came upon this amazing article about her passion for Iraqi children, posted just days ago on Operation Iraqi Freedom: Official Website of Multi-National Force - Iraq.

As soon as I'm done with this post, I'm going to box up a bunch of toys and send them in tomorrow's mail. Edmay, thank you so much for writing, and for everything you're doing. Your granddaughter will indeed be proud.

Parenthackers, please spread the word! Wouldn't it be amazing if Edmay were able to distribute toys donated by people from all over the United States? Think of the good will such a simple act could create...in a place that needs all the good will it can get.

Comments

[margaret]

If you don't have any toys you can send, you can also do what I just did--went to http://www.orientaltradingcompany.com and had some stuffed animals sent directly to her.

[Edmay Mayers]

These little words don't seem like enough but it is all I can offer for these children - Thank you -

God bless each and every one of you.

[Amber]

Will that postal address work if sending from outside the US?

[mark hammond]

We are gonna get a big package together. Great for us to pass on our son's toys to kid's who can enjoy them.

best of luck!

Mark

[Edmay Mayers]

Amber, yes the address is a good one from anywhere in the world. It is a USA postal address - The APO, AE is Armed Forces Europe which is still considered the USA. All packages can be mailed Space Available Mail (SAM) which is the least expensive instead of Priority Mail. Thanks to all who are taking part in this little mission. God bless all./Edmay

[Adam]

I just posted this on my blog (including trackback to here) as well.

I think having your child help choose which animals stay and which ones make the trip overseas helps with the loss factor. Plus it teaches goodwill and generosity :-). "You have TONS of stuffed toys and they have none at all. Wouldn't it feel great to share with them? Think about how happy they'll be because YOU chose toys to send them."

Hoping you never have a lack of toys to give to the Iraqi children!

[Karen Rani]

I blogged it for you this morning, Asha, and I'll be boxing up a bunch with friends of mine from the neighbourhood! Thanks for the heads up!

[none]

Any fellow Freecyclers out there ought to place the address on their home Freecycle.org site in the Wanted section.

[Lisa]

wow, I will start a collection. This seems like a good way to ease my worried soul about this awful Iraq occupation. Thank you so much Edmay for doing it and Asha for posting about it.

[J. Pat]

I love this idea! I'll give it some pub on the radio in Omaha, NE this afternoon. Thanks for sharing the info.

[lisa g]

Would you like gently used clothing as well?

[Edmay]

Lisa q, yes, gently used clothes would also be great --- school supplies and of course toys for them. I will continue to get the candy from www.orientaltrading.com. They cannot seem to get enough of the candy either.

To all: Thank you once again. This is so wonderful and J. Pat pub on the radio in NE, oh, wow! God bless each and every one of you for all you are doing for these precious children.

[Debbie]

Hi there, i have tons of stuffed willing to donate, where do i send them? email me back so i can send them off.
Thanks
Debbie

[Kimber]

Edmay and Asha,
I am Mothering magazine's web editor, and have written an activism alert about this effort, which will post at www.mothering.com next week. It will be featured on our homepage Tuesday (and in the activism section before and after). Our site draws enormous traffic (11 million page views a month), and I truly hope this will generate an abundant response from our readers. Your compassion is inspiring and uplifting. PEACE!

[Izzy]

I have a question...

A few weeks ago, I ordered some stuff from Oriental trading and they accidentally sent me a dozen Christmas bears. I called to tell them and they said to donate them to children somewhere. The thing is, they're Christmas bears wearing Santa hats. Would they be inappropriate for Muslim children???

[Debi-Jill]

Edmay I am a member of a group that sends goodie boxes to our troops as well as adding extras for the children in the area. From that I have learned that a lot of the children love balls as well. Would you be interested in balls or are they just to much to handle?

Also would you be interested in getting goodies for your unit. It is usually snacks and little things just to let the troops know that people at home are still thinking of them and Praying for them. I know you are busy but if you have time to email me I will be willing to explain more if you are interested.

[Edmay]

Izzy, the Christmas bears will be fine - these children do not care as long as they have something to hold. Please send them. Thanks so much to everyone. /Edmay

[Jane]

I've just posted a link to this blog on the iVillage (UK) board I contribute to, so hopefully you will be getting some parcels from the UK as well. My little boy is 6 months old, so probably won't even notice if some of the TONNES of toys we've been given suddenly disappear.

My husband (who incidentally is in the Royal Navy and has served in Iraq) also suggested that for Christmas, rather than buying our small son loads of toys that he frankly won't appreciate, we ask our family members to donate to a child related charity.

All the best with your efforts, it is an admirable endeavour.

[Umm Sami]

Neat idea! I'm an American-Muslim and will try to get the word out among other Muslims. We'll be sending out a package today as Eid is coming around Oct 22nd/23rd (Major Holiday in Islam--kids usually get money, candy, toys.)

Peace.

[none]

If you're looking for a nice treat to send, check out the Halal Crispy Treats here http://www.halalselectsnacks.com/products.asp

If you'd like to send a "Muslim" doll, check out http://www.noorart.com/s.nl?sc=19&search=razanne

[Erin R]

What about beach balls? They will be easy to ship.

[Ellery]

I am so touched by Edmay's beautiful heart and by the generosity of all who are giving. I plan on 'finding new homes' for many of my sons things to send along as well.
I certainly don't want to rain on the parade, but I do want to raise an issue for consideration. Westerners often give candy to kids they meet while travelling and unfortunately the kids' teeth end up suffering. Often there is an overwhelming lack of the dental care that we are used to in our country and I've seen slideshows of the rotting teeth of the local kids in tourist areas of rural Mexico, Africa and Nepal compared to the much healthier teeth of kids in the areas where Westerners do not go (and hand out candy). If you are faced with a choice of making a child smile by sending something to hug versus candy, please consider choosing the hug. Thanks.

[Edmay]

To all, once again Thank you -- To Debi-Jill - yes everything will be appreciated by the children and by our troops -- I tried to email you but it would not go though - I tried three times so am writing you here. Ellery you are correct regarding the teeth issue but these kids do not get the candy that often. It is rare to see the same children more than 2 or 3 times --- there are many children but of course we do not want to hurt any of them in any way so just the toys will be great. Thanks again to all, truly appreciate the spreading the word and the packages. With deepest respect for all, Edmay

[Edmay]

Received two more packages yesterday - special thanks to Suzanne from Cherry Hill and Sheila from Wauwatusa --- thanks so much. The children will love each and every thing that has been sent. God bless you. /Edmay

[Edmay]

Thanks to all --- those who have your precious ones to make drawing and books, please be assured that I will make copies of them and forward them back to you. God bless all of you - this is so overwhelming and wonderful. Thanks, thanks, thanks. Edmay

[Lisa]

I just found this website and I think this is a fabulous idea. I told my daughter about it and she wants to include her classmates in rounding up stuffed animals. Thank-you Edmay
Lisa

[ashley]

i think its great that y'all are doing this. my husband is in the army as well, we're in germany right now, and he id deployed to iraq, but due to come home very very soon....

we too have ordered stuff from oriental trading for the kids, and until you see their smiles you have no idea how appriciated this really is

keep up the good work

[Lois]

Wow, what a wonderful idea! I have been looking for a worthwhile cause to send gently used stuffed animals and was happy to stumble on this web site. I recently received the mailing boxes from the postal service and will be sending quite a few stuffed animals for the kids. I'd love to see their faces when you pass them out! Keep up the good work!

[Pam]

I'm trying to use USPS/Clicknship to mail 3 boxes of stuffed animals to Edmay Mayers. For some reason their online form will not accept the address that was provided. Help, there are lots of goodies for the lovely children of Iraq waiting!

[Elizabeth]

This is a wonderful idea. My daughter was very enthusastic about this project and we have put together 2 boxes of stuffed animals to go. Thank you so much for organizing this.

[Chrissy Codner]

This is a great find, thank you, I have numerous stuffed animals from my childhood that are looking for a new home! They will be happy to be in the hands of those children of Iraq. Many boxes will be going out within the next few weeks and I will spread the word as well!

God Bless and Keep up the Good Work!

[Paul Fisher]

Edmay you rock! We will send a package soon. Keep up the good work.

[Michelle Bekel]

Is this still a valid thing and is Edmay still there and if so for how much longer? I do not want to send a box and have no one to receive and pass out the toys. Thanks.

Michelle

[Edmay]

Hi to all. Yes, I am still in Iraq and still collecting what ever you wish to send. Thanks to all - God bless - /Edmay

[pia]

i just read this article:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5663&Itemid=109

and i must say i'm not sure how i feel about this. i want to help the victims of this war. but the best way to help them is for them to have peace. we started this mess, as americans. we cannot think that giving out some stuffed animals and school supplies, while kind and sweet a gesture, is going to truly help these children or their country in the long term or on a wide scale. what good is a stuffed bear (i know the children like toys, but they are so young, they don't understand they are being deprived of so much more) so what good are bears and dolls when they don't have enough to eat, when they don't have basic needs? i think an education is most important, and i love that you, edmay, are trying to help by giving school supplies. i truly feel that is the only thing - education - that can help bring people out of poverty. but the link above disturbed me bc it referred to the previous schools scoffingly as being built from mud. now, that might not sound like a lot to many uninformed americans, but in many countries, in small villages, that is the norm for schools and houses alike. what is wrong with a mud school as long as the children are learning and able to blossom in a safe environment? i wish we were not imposing our own standards of progress, capitalism, and westernization on a culture that is much older than ours and has their own way of doing things. to me, it's a shame that we all have to step in line with the western way of doing things. it all comes down to money - that's why so many wonderful people join the army and are then dismayed when they realized there is no clear cut right and wrong - just a whole lot of grey and a bunch of sweet children to underscore the disgusting nature of war in the first place. we have created a situation that has basically turned into civil war. we don't know much about these people, their beliefs and their long mistrust of each other. our being there only complicates the situation further. i worry for our soldiers, for their families, for the innocent iraqi civilians that continue to die. i feel it is best if we can empower them to help themselves instead of judging their way of life, ie, mud schools. the priority right now is peace and prosperity. please let me know where to send school supplies and what school supplies you need most. i would love to turn this into a nationwide campaign where schools all over iraq can benefit. please forgive me if i have offended anyone - i am just trying to make sense of this difficult situation. love and peace to all.

[Parent Hacks Editor]

Pia: While your sentiments are totally valid, I prefer to keep the focus on the amazing and generous work Edmay is doing to bring joy to kids in Iraq. Politics aside: whether that joy lasts for a few minutes or for a lifetime, what matters is that it happens at all. Certainly stuffed animals won't solve Iraq's problems. But they will brighten the days of its children.

Thank you for the suggestion of school supplies -- Edmay watches this post for new comments, and will be in touch here.

[pia]

yes, i definitely agree. i too want to focus on the great work edmay is doing - now that we are in this war. so, thank you for refocusing the discussion to her work.

it is so hard sometimes to know how we can best help those in need - i feel so overwhelmed sometimes by the injustices of our world. i guess doing a little bit at a time is the only way to ease the suffering; there are no grand solutions...

i will have my school gather supplies and donate toys and mail them to edmay. peace and love to all.

[Edmay]

Pia I respect your views but am very happy that the focus is back on the little ones. Possibly I should not mention this but I am and if I am wrong someone please correct me. My heart was broken this morning when I read about the insurgents targeting the schools - they recently killed 5 school girls with their mortar attacks - they are hanging school teachers - it is horrific what the insurgents are doing and with that said and with tears in my eyes I once again thank everyone who so kindly gave or are giving to these little innocent children. Please keep the items coming - they did not ask for any of this war - if you would see the look on their parents faces when we have them here and I give toys to them for their children - it is incredible how happy we are making the adults too. I think I am just rambling now so I will stop - I just want to say thank you again over and over and over - this means so much - God bless each and everyone of you. /Edmay

[Edmay]

See I knew I was rambling on --- I forgot to mention yes, we accept stuffed toys, regular toys, clothes, shoes, candy and of course school supplies. Thanks again/Edmay

[stephanie]

I think you are doing a wonderful job, I am sending my stuffed animals over to germany on a C-17 with my dad and he is going to send it through the APO so it doesn't cost anything for me. My twin daughters were very excited but puzzled when I asked them to go through their toys and pick out the ones they would like to give to other little boys and girls who don't have any toys. They are only 4 years old and they just couldn't believe that other children didn't have toys to play with. I hope my little bit helpsTake Care and God Bless you and your work.

[Edmay]

Thanks for your kind words Stephanie - please give the little ones a big hug and kiss for me -- thanks to all /Edmay

[Edmay]

Hi again

Asha I just got the word that my request for an additional extension has been granted/approved. So, this means that I will be here at least until 30 November 2007 - so please keep up the great work that you are doing with spreading the word. To all that have helped and sent so many articles to the little ones, thank you a million times over and please keep it going - God bless all/Edmay

[Megan]

What a great cause. I have five large boxes filled with soft toys, hand made blankets and quilts, shoes and clothes all ready for love.

I also have sewing and knitting items. Would they be of use there?

thank you so much for the work you are doing. I mentioned you on my Podcast (materialmama.com) and will update my audience next week.

Megan

[Megan]

OH I forgot to mention the location of my podcast that talks about what you are doing:
http://materialmama.wordpress.com/2007/02/02/material-mama-14/

I am making some stuffed animals and dolls to send in the next shipment.

Many blessings on you. I know each child will carry this small token of our love with them their whole life.

[Megan]

OH I forgot to mention the location of my podcast that talks about what you are doing:
http://materialmama.wordpress.com/2007/02/02/material-mama-14/

I am making some stuffed animals and dolls to send in the next shipment.

Many blessings on you. I know each child will carry this small token of our love with them their whole life.

[Nicole Mogul]

Two days before finding out about this effort, I discovered the book "Boxes for Katje" -- about a girl from Indiana who sent boxes to a town in Holland after WWII. Any doubts about the impact this effort are bound to evaporate.

I'll be giving it as a gift any chance I have!

[Jane]

Are you still looking for donations of stuffed animals?

[moderndaydad]

This is a great thing. I just blogged about it too http://www.moderndaydad.com/mdd/2007/02/send_old_toys_t.html), Hopefully it will generate some more donations. My daughters and I are going downstairs now to put together a box.

[Edmay]

Hi to all,
Wanted to give you an update on the toys, clothes, school supplies, candy, etc. As of today 3/6/07 we have recevied 423 boxes filled with love from the wonderful, caring, generous people in American (1 from Japan). I cannot thank you all enough. We had to order a conex for the boxes of toys and we now have our teams distributing the items and also the Army (82nd & 1/34th) doing the same - and we will probably have the Air Force taking some too. I am going to also check with the Romanian troops that serve with us - they probably would like some to distribute also. May God bless and keep each and everyone of you. All items sent will be used and given to the Iraqi people. /Edmay

[Suzan]

I have previously sent several boxes of toys and am wondering whether girl's winter clothing, including items like pink boots are appropriate in terms of weather and otherwise.
Thanks again for all your amazing efforts.

[Suzan]

I have previously sent several boxes of toys and am wondering whether girl's winter clothing, including items like pink boots are appropriate in terms of weather and otherwise.
Thanks again for all your amazing efforts.

[carmell]

I'm heading up a send off of lots of toys that our little ones have outgrown here in Park City Utah. You completely ROCK Edmay! These will be mostly baby and toddler toys, I hope you have some wee ones to pass these onto- I have everyone meeting at the post office on Thursday the 22nd, so the goodies should arrive in a couple weeks after that. Keep up the amazing energy, tell all your friends and colleagues that we are thankful and proud!

[Edmay]

Yes the little ones can use the wee little toys. The baby's orphanage is from 1 day old to 6 years old. Yes, please send the pink boots, they will love them. To all once again I thank you. Asha, you are one amazing lady and I am so thankful to have "met" you. Bless you lady. If anyone needs to contact me please use my yahoo account - edmay1230@yahoo.com - instead of my work email address. The 1/34th are coming out this week to pick up boxes of toys with a 5 ton truck - see how wonderful you all are. They have offered to take me out with them but I know my Colonel will not allow me to be outside the wire as it is not "mission essential" for me to be there. So, the 1/34th are taking their PAO to take pictures and will share with me as I will share with you.
One more thing, I have a new computer and have lost my listings of letters mailed prior to now so if you receive more than one letter just take it as a blessing and forgive me for not backing up my records. Bless all of you. /Edmay

[Edmay]

Today is 11 April 07 and very dusty day here in Iraq but still very beautiful. I have just met with one of our Iraqi Engineers and he asked me about the orpans and orphanages - I told him that we are taking care of the three in Nasiriyah - he said he was speaking of Muthanna --- he said there are many, many orphans there that need help. So I told him to get a list of items "needed" not especially "wants" but true needs to get this started. He said he would do that. I cannot do this without all of you so once again I am just here to thank you for what you have already done and to ask you to kindly keep "spreading the word" as we now need more. There are so many orphans here - incredible. God bless all of you - you have done so much already - I almost hate to ask for more but the key word here is ALMOST cuz I would do just about anything for these kids. Thanks and God bless/Edmay

[Donna Girard]

Is this address still valid. My daughter is 9 years old and we have both been trying to find a worthy cause to donate her MANY stuffed animals to and this looks ideal!!!

[Edmay]

Yes ma'am this is a good address Edmay P. Mayers, USACE-GRS, APO, AE 09331 please do send items we appreciate any and all. God bless you my friend, God bless you. /Edmay

[Edmay]

Hi to all: While I try my best to send thank you letters to everyone who sends a box to us for the children - I do sometimes mess up and I think I did with this one. I do not have the proper address for the McGawn Family - and I may not be spelling that correctly either - they are from Hartford, CT. I send a letter in March and am just now having it returned to me as no such street - so I know I have made a mistake. Please contact me with your address at edmay1230@yahoo.com. Thanks so much to all. /Edmay

[M Dunstan]

Dear Edmay,
I am the Community-Based Curriculum Director at ANSER Charter School in Boise, Idaho. We are currently in the middle of a session titled "Diversity & Inclusivity". I have over 10 modules involved in some type experience that will open up little lives to the diversity all around us and how we can be people of incusivity.

One of my modules is "Friendship Dolls". It is based off the the 1927 experience between American and Japanese school children exchanging dolls as a symbol of friendship and cultural awareness between two countries.

I have 12 students who just about finished making some beautiful dolls, wrote a short story about their doll and now are ready to send them to Iraqi children.

The contact I originally had no longer will be able to help us, so I went on-line to see what I could find and that is where I found you!

Can we send these dolls to you> Would you have some children in mind for these dolls our students (10-12 year olds) made?

Let me know your thoughts!

Thank you for your time,
Michelle

[J. Roberts]

I'm a teacher and I'm out for the summer. My first job was to tackle my overstuffed attic. I came across 7 years worth of my daughter's stuffed animals and hated to throw them away. I'm so thankful to have found this website and the story of Edmay! We kept packing them up hoping to find a worthy cause that would take them. Thank you so much for doing this for the children of Iraq! I'm contacting the post office today and will pack them off next week with the help of my daughter. What a great learning experience for her! I will definitely by passing on the informations to my friends and colleagues!

[Edmay]

I am so sorry I have not written and answered any of the posts in a while. I have been on R&R and just recently returned - I now am wearing yet another hat at work so my workload has continued to increase. I am still trying my best to sort through everything that has been sent. Upon my return I had a connex overflowing with boxes of toys - but no one was delivering them. Well, now I have them moving again. Our Security teams have loaded up truckloads and the new Austrialian Army who has just rotated in has taken a great interest in them. They will be here this week sometime to load up their trucks. So for now yes please keep them coming -- I am trying to find an organization to take this over for me cuz it looks like I may not extend this time and I probably will go home in December 07. I am so far behind in thank you letters that I do not think I can catch up - I hate to ask Colonel Johnston to sign so many at one time as it is my fault that I have not kept up with these letters AND he is getting ready for his Change of Command in July --- yes, we are losing him which is very heartbreaking but we are going to gain a very good and well respected Colonel. At any rate if anyone knows of any organization that is willing to take this mission please advise. Operation Iraqi Children only take certain items and I would prefer to find an organization that would take all that we recieve and distribute to the children of Iraq. I am talking with the Aussies regarding this and they just might be interested as they love to see these children smile too. Thank you all for everything you have done - God bless each and everyone of you. With the deepest respect/Edmay

[sherry]

Please contact about sending you my childrens new and gently used stuffdd animals? How about Barbies? Please send me an address with contact name, I will send what I can. thank you sherry a merkel

[wendy]

I moved and found boxes of my stuffed animals. I cleaned them and would like to send them to you. Are you or others still giving them to the children? Is the address still valid??

[Sandy G.]

I am an elementary school teacher on a military base in Germany. We are also out for the summer and one of my many projects is cleaning and reorganizing my parent's house. They have lived in the same house for fourty years, raised 4 children of their own and (partially) raised 1 grandson (now 18 years old), and have accumulated an amazing amount of clutter. Both my parents & my nephew have difficulty parting with things, but I know that they will find it a great deal easier since the toys and clothes are going to such a good cause. Please do not worry about sending a thank you. The fact that you are doing this in addition to what I am sure is an already full work load is more than thanks enough. I can also personally reassure others who read this post that it is easy to mail to an APO address from any US post office (pack & ship stores usually can't). It is not considered "international mail" and cost the exact same amount as when you send a box from state to state in the US. When I get back to Germany in August I will tackle my own storage unit and share this link with my fellow teachers. Thanks again for all you are doing! Sandy

[Vera]

Thank you so much for your love of these children. I too am a teacher, and I am working on cleaning house as my summer project. My daughter has a plethora of toys that she (now a teen) no longer wishes to keep. What a wonderful opportunity for her to know that she is doing something great by donating her beloved items to Iraqi children! Please do keep us posted on the availability of this link to you, as I intend to involve my school classes in this project in the fall. I want to make sure that we can continue to get the collected items to you, or to your replacement once you return at the end of the year. May God bless you, I know that the children in Iraq will remember you always.

[mariko]

hello, i was still wondering if you were accepting used stuffed animals??? and also what other type of toys??? i have sooo many stuffed animals and had no idea what to do with them until i read these posts. please let me know if you are still accepting them. thanks

[Jordan's Mom]

How lucky I feel to have discovered this site! I'm boxing up my daughter's dozens and dozens of unused stuffed animals and toys now. We are thrilled to know they will be helping other children halfway across the world to know that they are loved! Thank you for your work Edmay!

[Louise]

Edmay, I just discovered your program online and am happy there is a place I can send my like-new stuffed animals. I am hoping that you are still accepting them and plan to send several boxes this week. Thank you for sharing your generous spirit.

[Edmay]

Asha, I am posting this in two places - I hope that is okay with you. I will have Michael email you and introduce himself, etc. Thanks so much lady for all you have done - it is my hope that we meet someday in person. Bless you, Ash.

Okay, Asha, here we go --- I have been approached by a co-worker who has just extended for another year. He wants to take over this program here at GRS near Nasiriyah, Iraq. So, while I am in no way telling you not to send boxes to Donna because she was truly saving me - I am telling all that you can still send them to us here at LSA Adder, Iraq. If you would like to continue sending them here and helping these children in Nasiriyah please mail them to:
Michael Fellenz
USACE GRS
APO AE 09331
OR
Natalie Sudman
USACE GRS
APO AE 09331

They will keep you informed of all events as I use to. Thanks to all God bless each and every one of you for your generosity and good will - a very special thanks to Mr. Fellenz and Ms. Sudman for continuing this mission. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. /Edmay

[Sara]

I am a high school senior, and I would like to start a toy drive at my school. My family is from the Iraq, and I have been greatly affected by the kids over there. I was wondering if it would be ok to send the toys to you, and if so, is there anything else that could be sent? Thanks.

[terri]

Can someone please tell me if it is still okay to send stuffed animals to the above address? I just stumbled upon it and I have about 5 or 6 boxes to send! Any info would be so appreciated! Thanks! My email address is tmarie8300@aol.com.

[Violet]

It's now mid-October and a month since the last post on this site and I was wondering if they're still accepting stuffed animals and other children's items. Let us know. Thanks!

[Parent Hacks Editor]

Yes they are, Violet. The mailing info is at the top of the page. Thank you so much.

[Jenna]

Is it still possible to donate? My friends and I would love to collect stuffed animals to send before Christmas. Please write...my email is:
jswo16@yahoo.com

thanks so much for your service and generousity!

[Eileen Wager]

My 8-year-old and I just put together a huge box of stuffed animals for kids in Iraq. Are you still handing them out? If not, can you please give me an address of someone who can get them to the kids of Iraq?
Thanks!

[Kristi]

I am wondering if they are still receiving donations? Also, are toys besides stuffed animals accepted? I would love for some of my childrens' toys to make someone else happy. If they don't accept them, does anyone know who I can donate these toys to? Thanks so much!

[suem]

can i send beanie babies..i have lot that we don't do anything with...would like them to go to kids,,, let me know if i can send them
thanks

[Kathryn]

Hello - I have a lot of stuffed animals and school supplies to donate, can I still send them to these people?
Michael Fellenz or Natalie Sudman
USACE GRS
APO AE 09331

Thank you!!

[Jeannine]

Hello,

I just discovered this address and wondered if toys are still being accepted by Michael or Natalie?

Thank you.

[MaryAnn Brady]

Hi Michael,
I hope you are still accepting packages I sent one to you for the children in Iraq, mostly stuffed animals; my grandchildren saved their pennies to buy the toys
I sent the package on Dec 4th..
forgot to enclose a note...grandchildren: Gavin 7, Carter 7, Madison 6, Josh 5 and Alex 5...God bless you

[Joyous]

I really want to send some stuffed animals, but I'm not sure how current this post is. Is the contact info at the top still valid?

[Edmay]

This post is current - today is 27 Dec 07 and yes please send your clothes, toys, school supplies, etc to either Mike Fellenz or Frank DeBoer - Natalie is not at GRS at at the present time. They are still collecting and distributing items to the children of Iraq. I thank God everyday that they took over this mission for the children. God bless each and every one of you for doing your part to help and make these children a little happier. /Edmay Mayers

[Madeline]

I think this is so amazing. I have many stuffed animals from when I was younger that I really want to give to the kids. And i mean that i have A LOT. I'm worried about how much it costs to ship, and do I just pile them up in a box?

[Edmay]

Madeline I too worry about the cost of shipping. I posted an article regarding the children and women of Iraq needing warm clothes - I posted this in 18 bathrooms at work - 9 women and 9 men and I have boxes upon boxes of items to ship - mostly coats and blankets. I also have a box of shoes, several boxes of clothes and more blankets and more coats coming. I don't dare tell anyone that I cannot take what they have to give so I am sending a little at a time. That is the best I can do at this point. So believe me we don't only appreciate everyone opening their hearts and giving items but we are thankful that they are willing and able to ship the items to us for the people of Iraq. God bless each and every one of you - you truly are amazing. Thanks from the bottom of my heart to all. With the deepest respect, Edmay.

[Melonie]

Hello I am wondering if other toys are accepted also, like dolls (not sure if they are okay or not). Thanks! I am also interested in knowing what the average postage is, I would love to hold a toy drive and postage fundraiser.

[Melonie]

Hello, posting a second question. Can girls wear pants if we sent clothing? I also have tons of baby blankets..are those something that can be used?

[Edmay]

Yes, the girls do wear pants - they will love whatever you send and believe me they will wear them and make great use of everything. Oh, my, yes, dolls are great - the only problem I had was when I was sorting thru all the boxes I had to remove the Barbie dolls that had no underwear and the baby dolls without underwear.... I tried making some with crocheting while I was still in Iraq but did not have time. I have set aside all those dolls until I do have time.

To all, please send what you can - they love every bit of the "gently used" clothes and toys - thanks from the bottom of my heart. God bless each of you.

[Edmay]

I am sorry I did not answer your question on postage. Send every thing SAM - Space Available Mail instead of Priorty Mail --- it is less expensive to send it SAM.

Bless you/Edmay

[T. Crow]

I am a Platoon Sergeant currently station in Central Iraq. Myself and my Soldiers work closely with the Iraqi communities. I was wondering how to get donated stuffed animals. You would not believe what the stuffed animals mean to these kids. The excitement in their faces is just unbelievable. If anyone can help me out on this, it would be greatly appreciated!!!! Thanks for your time in advance!!!!

Trayton A. Crow
1/511th MP CO
FOB Echo
APO AE 09332

Thanks!!!

[Cindy]

To Platoon Sargeant Crow can you please tell me what else you need for the children. Do they need clothes, pencils and stationary. Thanks!

[Edmay]

To PSGT Crow - contact Asha at www.parenthacks.com and let her know that you are also in need of "gently" used toys, school supplies, clothes, etc. (whatever you need let her know) - and this wonderful lady will help you. She was amazing with getting my little program off the ground and running - as a matter of fact she named it "Spread The Word." If anyone can help, it is Asha. God bless this wonderful, generous, kind-hearted lady. Go to her website and on that page there is a place to contact her. Do it, do it for the kids. You are a very special person - keep up the good work. I miss the children terribly. God bless you. /Edmay

[CECE CHAVEZ]

THIS IS SO GREAT I WILL START TO GET THINGS TOGETHER AND I WILL POST THIS AT THE SCHOOLS AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SEND IT TO ALL MY EMAIL ADDRESS'S. WHAT ELSE CAN THEY USE? WHAT ARE THINGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE SENT? THIS IS SO GREAT I AM SO HAPPY THAT MY FAMILIY AND I CAN HELP.
CECE OXNARD CALIF

[Edmay]

Items that should not be sent are Barbie dolls with no clothes on them; all Baby Dolls should have underwear on them too or a diaper. We never want to offend anyone and those would be offensive. Thanks for asking. All other toys are fine - they love the trucks, cars, dolls, balls, etc.

[Lisa]

To PSGT Crow - my daughter has gone through her beloved stuffed animals and come away with 140 that are near-new and ready to be loved.

We are sending them your way and hope they will bring joy to many...

Lisa

[Wendy G.]

I am a leader from Cub Pack 84 in NJ. I would like to offer a drive for slightly used stuffed animals. Are you still accepting?
Is there a place that lists what else you could use? We are having a Blue & Gold dinner on Sunday, and I would like to distribute materials for this.
Thanks!
Wendy

[Edmay]

Yes they are still collecting items such as "gently" used toys, clothes, blankets, soccer balls, any sort of balls, shoes, school supplies - they can use anything. You can send them to GRS at this address USACE-GRS, APO AE 09331 - or send what you have to Sgt Crow - his address is in the comments. I know he would appreciate boxes of goodies for the kids. Oh, yes, they also like candy. Thanks/Edmay

[Debbie D.]

This sounds t be a great humanity effirt. I am assuming it is still in progress based on the dates of the comments - but mailing the items is foreign to me. Can I send a medium sized box to Sgt Crow and he will get it in Iraq? Is this program still in progress?
If it is - God Bless all of you! I am going to start packing items as soon as I am sure your are willing to receive them.......
thank you

[Edmay]

Yes collections and distributions are still on going. Please send your boxes either to Sgt Crow or to the USACE-GRS address. Thank you for you kindness and generosity. /Edmay

[Kelly]

I am so happy to find a worthwhile place to send our stuffed animals. Thank you so much for doing this. I am getting a box ready to send out this week!

:)
Kelly

[Edmay]

Thanks Kelly,

Please send your box to Tonya Myrick, USACE-GRS, APO AE 09331 --- Mike Fellenz will be leaving shortly and Tonya has agreed to take over the program (thank God). Thanks/Edmay

[Kristi]

I am a military spouse - we're in Germany right now and I'm preparing a box to send off... I was wondering about a need for baby items, however. I have a lot of baby clothes and toys that need to find a new home. Thanks!