TheMommyBlog

Sunday, December 14, 2008 Family, Fun Finds, Momversation, News

Last night on CNN I mentioned that you could find hundreds of really inexpensive, fun things for kids online and have them shipped to a shelter, or charity, or anywhere in the world. For those who are interested, the web site is Oriental Trading Company.

I didn’t know I was even going to mention them, but it popped into my head, and this morning I realized why: On September 26, 2006, Asha Dornfest wrote to a group of bloggers to ask a favor. I didn’t know her at the time.

Please forgive the mass email, but I felt this was important enough to warrant it. I just received a note from a member of the US Army Corps of Engineers stationed in Iraq—a woman named Edmay Mayers. Prompted by a past discussion on Parent Hacks about where to donate used stuffed animals, she wrote asking readers to send them to her, and she would see they are distributed to children in Iraq.

Here’s my post, including photos she sent and a link to an article about her. If anyone can get the word out, it’s you. If you feel it’s appropriate, would you consider sharing this info with your readers? No obligation, of course—I just want to do what I can to help this woman. I really admire her.

Thanks for listening.

Asha

I wasn’t working at the time and couldn’t afford to donate, but then changed my mind when I saw what could be had for so little. One hundred dollars sent a hug box of things to Edmay, and she personally wrote each of us with thanks. She is a hero, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to give her props—and to thank Asha for doing what she does best—helping people make life easier and more fun for our kids.

Get shopping! (And no, they don’t know I’m doing this, I’m not being paid, though I suppose I should send a note to give a heads-up!)