Toys to Iraq: Look what you've done...

I received the best gift in the mail last week: an actual paper letter from Edmay in Iraq. In it she thanked us all for the incredible response to her appeal for toys for the children of Iraq. She also included photos and a letter of thanks from her commander, Colonel Gary E. Johnston (Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region South District, Tallil, Iraq).

Thanks to you and to all the bloggers who picked up this story, toys are arriving every day. Businesses are sending toys. Schools are staging toy drives. Kids are sharing their own toys. It's amazing. You're amazing.

Here's her most recent email to me, just arrived today.

I wanted to let all know that we are receiving tons and tons of stuffed animals, toys, school supplies, clothes, etc. All are being given to the Iraqi children --- either on the back roads, schools, orphanages, clinics and now the Basrah Children's Hopsital in Basrah, Iraq.

I am attaching a picture of the pickup truck that is hauling these items for us from here to the children in Basrah. Due to security reasons, I can only send the back part of the truck to you. I am so thrilled that so many individuals have opened their hearts to this mission. Once again, Asha [Parenthackers! -- Ed.], we could not have done this without you.

I have also been in touch via email with a gentleman in the UK who has lots of toys to send us also. Since the postage is higher there we are trying to figure a way to get the toys here - I suggested contacting a radio station or newspaper - he is trying to work something out. At any rate - your story has gone all the way to the UK - I have also received a box from Japan.

Keep those boxes coming, and keep telling everyone you can about this amazing effort. I'll leave you with a quote from Edmay's letter:

I pray that you will remember this kindness you have shown to these children as I am sure they will remember that an American child gave up toys for them. Please always remember that it was YOU who made a difference in this world and that difference will always be in the hearts of others.

For the latest information about how to send toys to Iraq, please see the original post.

Comments

[Edmay]

Hi to all, Once again I want to thank everyone - we had the 1/34th come out with a 5 ton truck and loaded it with (packed it tightly) toys that you wonderful people have sent to us. I also received a phone call from the Australians who are here on base with us requesting toys. We have had our PAO go out on mission to schools with a truck load of toys. As you can see we still need them to keep coming in as it appears that we (you) are supplying not just the us at the Corps with toys but also the Army, Air Force, Australian Forces, Camp Adder, Basrah Children's Hospital (I recently sent two giant boxes to them and they are now requesting more), Camp Echo for their missions - no one can get enough of giving these out to the children. Thank you all so very much. God bless each and every one of you. /Edmay

[Edmay]

Hi to all, Once again I want to thank everyone - we had the 1/34th come out with a 5 ton truck and loaded it with (packed it tightly) toys that you wonderful people have sent to us. I also received a phone call from the Australians who are here on base with us requesting toys. We have had our PAO go out on mission to schools with a truck load of toys. As you can see we still need them to keep coming in as it appears that we (you) are supplying not just the us at the Corps with toys but also the Army, Air Force, Australian Forces, Camp Adder, Basrah Children's Hospital (I recently sent two giant boxes to them and they are now requesting more), Camp Echo for their missions - no one can get enough of giving these out to the children. Thank you all so very much. God bless each and every one of you. /Edmay

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