Beanie Babies Now Serving in Iraq and Afghanistan

Redmond, WA
Spirit of America, a nonprofit, which is supported solely through private-sector contributions has a project that supplies Beanie Babies to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan so that they can distribute them to the children there.

The troops are handing out the Beanie Babies to the children in their daily patrols throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. This accomplishes two things.

First of all, Beanie Babies make the children happy. Which child wouldn't be happy to get one of these cute stuffed toys?

Secondly, handing out Beanie Babies gives the troops the opportunity to build goodwill with the Iraqi and Afghani children. The troops need all the friends they can make there and children can provide friendship, support and perhaps critical information that might just help to save the lives of our troops because friends look out for friends.

These children are the next generation in Iraq and Afghanistan, so it is important that we make a connection with them through our goodwill and the goodwill of our troops.

Spirit of America is a 501c3 nonprofit supported solely through private-sector contributions. They do not receive funding from the government or military.

Here's the Spirit of America's mission:

"Spirit of America's mission is to extend the goodwill of the American people to assist those advancing freedom, democracy and peace abroad. We provide support to those on the front lines: American military and civilian personnel and people who call to Americans for help in their struggle for freedom and democracy."

You can help spread the joy of Beanie Babies by sending a 100% tax deductible donation to Spirit of America. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible.

Please write "Beanie Babies for the Troops" on your check along with your email address.

Please make checks payable to Spirit of America and mail to:
Spirit of America
File 50315
Los Angeles, CA 90074-0315

BarrysBeanies is responsible for the supply and shipping of the Beanie Babies. BarrysBeanies will also be donating one Beanie Baby for every retail Beanie Baby ordered on their web site until March 31, 2006. (http://www.BarrysBeanies.com)

Some of Spirit of America's other current projects:
1. Najaf Teaching Hospital - Provide critical Central Cardiac Monitoring System to this important teaching hospital.
Iraq's health system is in poor condition, wrecked not only by war but by decades of neglect and corruption. The Iraqi medical community and Coalition Forces are working to reverse the years of decline and restore vital medical services to the people of Iraq. The Army 415st located in Najaf, Iraq has asked for your help in improving conditions at the Najaf Teaching Hospital in the Holy City of Najaf, Iraq by supplying a Central Cardiac Monitoring System.

2. Women's Centers - Help Coalition Forces establish model for Women's Centers.
Since women constitute a majority of Iraq's population, adequately addressing their issues and interests is an important step in insuring a stable and bright future for all of Iraq. The Marines Civil Affairs Group in Fallujah is partnering with two local NGO's to establish the Fallujah Women's Cultural Center which will ultimately offer employment training, an Internet center, a daycare and maybe most importantly, a place for women to get together to share ideas and provide encouragement for each other. At the Marines request, SoA is providing sewing machines and computers and you can help.

3. Gifts for Iraqi Children - The II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) requests items to improve relations in Al Anbar.
In an continual effort to improve relations with Iraqis in Al Anbar Province the U.S. Marines would like to give Iraqi children school supplies, shoes, sporting equipment, watches and other gifts.

4. Marine Civil Affairs Groups establishing Al Anbar Agricultural Co-Op - Revitalize Iraq's agricultural production with unique combination of supplies and support
For most of its history, Iraq has maintained a strong agricultural heritage. Unfortunately, during the previous regime, investments and resources were diverted away from farming and food production. The Marines of 5th CAG are working with local farmers to help rejuvenate the land so that they can reclaim successful agricultural production.

5. Support America - Iraq School Partners - School Partners brings American and Iraqi schools together and builds bonds of friendship.

6. Iraqi Orphans Project - Helping children in greatest need.
It is estimated that in Baghdad alone, there are 5,000 orphaned children scavenging the streets daily to secure food and a safe place to sleep. While looking only for what they need to endure another day, they are being strongly recruited into the terrorist networks that oppose a new democratic Iraqi State. Ignored and left to fend for themselves, with no hope for education or good instilled values, many will inevitably slide toward destructive activities.

7. Afghan Medical Reference Library - Help SoA and the U.S. Military improve Afghan healthcare by providing a critically needed medical reference library.
Currently all medical knowledge in Afghanistan is passed verbally. Spirit of America has been asked by the doctors of Afghanistan and the U.S. Military at Bagram Airfield to help fill this need by establishing a medical reference library. The library will be used by the El Salam Egyptian Military Hospital (at Bagram) and by doctors throughout Afghanistan.

8. Safety Equipment for Security Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Training and equipping Iraqi and Afghani security forces are vital to the country's ability to create a stable environment for democracy and peace to take root and grow and a critical component in allowing the safe withdrawal of U.S. troops. As a result, Spirit of America has recently received several requests from American military personnel for safety equipment needed to protect the forces who are being trained to protect their countries.