Pics of the Troops with their Stockings & Comments!!!!

[Georgiapeach]

akeleyquilter, yes, we sure are going to do this again in 2008. This year was just a learning process for us and we think we can do a whole lot better job next time! And, if by the grace of God there won't be a need to send them to troops, then we'll focus on another worthy recipient.

Oh Sharon, I'm so tickled that is Bradlee!!! I couldn't remember his last name and searched thru all the pics trying to find him, and then thought that was him but wasn't sure! Oh, he is such a handsome young man and I know you are very proud of him, as we are, too!

cindyg, me, too. This project from start to finish has had me crying! Bless their hearts. That poster of the snowman on the door made me laugh and cry both, but at least they had some Christmas decoration and some stockings, by golly! There's a couple of units that haven't received their stockings yet. And we've had e-mails from a couple others saying they'll send pics soon.

SewGlad, I'm glad you saw your stocking! I know how you feel, as I was looking at the pics it amazed me that just weeks ago I was sewing, stuffing and packaging stockings and to see them in a soldier's hand really overwhelmed me! As the pics and e-mails come in it really is making this whole project feel "real" to me!

[suzette58]

I would love to help out next year. Keep us posted. Hopefully, we won't have to send them overseas.
Suzette58

[sunsup]

GP and your DH, you are too wonderful for words. Count me in for next year too.

[CindyB]

GP - so if I make stockings to take to Paducah, I'll have more room in the car for fabric coming back home, right??!!!!

[maryq]

Since I didn't get any stockings made this year....where did the time go.... I'm should start NOW so I'm ready for next year. OR if we are really blessed... maybe we won't NEED to send stockings--they will ALL be HOME!

GP, it's so wonderful to see all those smiling faces!!! Y'all did such a wonderful job... Thank you!!

marymargaret

[Georgiapeach]

Oh absolutely, CindyB, if you bring stockings to Paducah it will certainly give you more room to haul fabric back home! LOL! But...trust me, I'll be UPS'ing those stockings to my house from Paducah because I intend to have our van filled to the gills with fabric at Paducah! ROFLOL!!! DH will be lucky if I leave enough room in the van for him to sit and drive! LOL!

[Georgiapeach]

Hey, Mary! I think we posted at the same time here! LOL! Yes, it'd be great if we didn't need to send stockings overseas this year, but if we do...we'll do it up right! I just ordered some of that curly fuzzy fabric to make the cuffs for the stockings. A lot of Angels used it for their stockings and it was so darned cute! I'm really looking forward to this project for 2008 and starting this early plus knowing better how to do it this year will make it even better! Also, I'm going to try to get businesses to donate towards the stuffers and postage so we can send more stockings.

[sewcarolyn]

What a wonderful project! Last year my nephew was one of the guys receiving gifts from home and I know how much that meant to him. Bless you all for doing this wonderful "gift from the heart"

[quiltwithmom]

Pam,
These are so wonderful. I am so happy I was able to be involved with this. I love seeing the smiles. I will start early and will have more to send you in 2008. YES it sure would be nice if we didn't have to send them.
Thank you for all your hard work, your wonderful DH, your sons and all the others that helped. It was all worth while!
Hugs, Kathy

[justdawne]

Which of the many handsome gents is Bradlee? Don't worry, I'm happily married so it's OK to tell me which one he is. LOL

GP, what was the exact # of stockings all told? I keep telling my DH 600 but I don't think that's accurate.

This is certainly a website in the making...hint,hint,hint. And starting now is a good idea b/c I fear you'll need more than 600 next year. This will allow more people to join in. Your pictures and letters from the troops should sever as documentation when you appeal to businesses for help. You've got a paper trail and a high level of transperancy which are both important when businesses are trying to decide what to donate to. They receive a lot of requests.

Anything local I would suggest you create a 'notebook' of sorts with pictures and copies of email. Bring it with you to show while you make your pitch. Try not to leave it there (b/c of cost) and leave a business card - your family business will work - with your website [hint, hint, hint] on the back for them to see ALL of the pictures and to stay updated.

and, of course....it doesn't hurt when they see their business online in the Sponsors list.

Dawne