Deltona Woman Using Social Media To Reach Out To Help U.S. Troops Overseas
Online, August 23, 2010 (Newswire.com) - DELTONA, FL - A month ago Kimberley Scheffer of Deltona decided to take action and utilize social media to reach the troops overseas. She started an online group to spur people to create and send care packages that would provide creature comforts to those U.S. Troops who had limited or no access to such luxuries. But she wanted to take it further; she wanted to ensure that those sending the packages could see and hear from the soldiers who received the items. A personal connection where people could witness the actual benefit of their care packages in use.
"I created the group out of my love of country and to show my support to the soldiers overseas," said Kimberley Scheffer, Group Organizer of Time to Help a Soldier. "There are many organizations doing a wonderful job of supporting the troops but I felt a void existed when it came to personal contact with the soldiers. This group eliminates that void and people who donate actually get to communicate via social media with the soldiers who receive the care packages they made."
The group created on Facebook has grown quickly, and within its first three weeks has amassed nearly two hundred members. So far eight care packages have been created and sent and many more are needed. Items needed include the following:
Baby wipes, travel size shampoo/soap/deodorant, sun screen, toilet paper, flavored drink mixes for bottled water, hard candy, dried fruit, nuts, pre packaged (non perishable) travel sized snacks, hand written appreciation/support notes, pens, pocket sized 2x2 spiral bound notebooks, pain relievers, gel inserts for boots of varied sizes for both men and women, Ziploc bags, and Women's hygiene products.
The group which can be easily found on Facebook by searching for "Time To Help A Soldier" is gaining support from many in the Central Florida community including Musician Jeff Howell of the popular WTKS-FM radio show," Monsters in the Morning" heard daily on Real Radio 104.1.
The overwhelming support is most importantly felt and appreciated a world away by the troops who benefit from this Central Florida Social Media based grass roots group. "The level of caring that goes into this group and the number of people that it helps here in theater is staggering. I personally get to see the looks on the soldier's faces when they pick up items in the chapel that make their deployment a little more comfortable," says Eric Roser, group member and Specialist First Class, United States Army. "Along with the help the group has been giving the troops, we now have another drive. We are going on to help the children in an orphanage in RC North. The donations of coloring books and stuffed animals bring joy to children and to our Troops. Seeing a small child who has virtually nothing look up and smile with unconditional gratitude is something that makes every soldier's heart melts. I am constantly amazed at the commitment shown by the 'Time to Help a Soldier' group members who are supporting complete strangers with their kindness and generosity."
Those interested in sending packages and learning more about the group can log on via facebook or send packages directly to one of the addresses listed below.
FOR INFORMATION /INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT:
Kimberley Scheffer 386-860-3002 /386-801-7664
KimberleyScheffer@gmail.com
CARE PACKAGES CAN BE SENT TO:
SPC ERIC ROSER
4 CAB HHC 2-4
CAMP MARMAL,APO
AE09368
OR
Kimberley Scheffer, Group Organizer, Time To Help A Soldier
PO BOX 5211
Deltona,FL 32728-5211
***IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST***