November 13, 2017
Dear Dayton 100+ Women Who Care Members,
Our mission statement is simple: “While promoting patriotism, the Miami Valley Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. (OH 3), supports our troops all over the world, our veterans, and each other.” Implementing that mission involves the dedication of many volunteers and supporters like you. Our chapter is made up of unpaid volunteer members who have created a very active agenda of programs for deployed troops and veterans which are 100% funded through donations and grants. We thank you so much for your gifts of $100 which will be used to benefit heroes, past and present. Some of our chapter activities which you are supporting:
- funding our budget for care packages and shipping to over 830 currently deployed troops-more than double from last year and we expect that number to increase; we especially want to reach those who do not receive support from home
- covering the expenses to fill and ship holiday stockings stuffed with goodness from home to those troops on our support list-doubled from last year
- new recruit family welcome events; Readiness and Deployment Send Off ceremonies; Active Duty, Guard and Reserve Family Day events-to include any catering and complimentary children’s gifts
- attendance and support for local Final Salute ceremonies at the Dayton Memorial Cemetery
- various gold star family events, including serving at memorial services
- funding a modest emergency heroes assistance fund for veterans and active military who have a small financial emergency which cannot be handled through another agency and who qualify
- monthly activities at the Dayton V.A. to include catered bingo events, veterans recognition ceremonies, prizes, an annual home style cookout-we had been serving between 65-75 per month but that number is increasing and the faces are unfortunately getting younger due to current military engagements
- Parkas 4 Patriots which provides winter weather outer wear and blankets for needy veterans-this year’s budget had already been used so now we can fund it for the remainder of the very cold months left in the season
- Veterans Closet which provides clothing and other items, in cooperation with the Dayton V.A., for needy local veterans to “shop” for free. A veteran who has a job interview can find presentable clothing and shoes.
- Baskets of Hope which provides household goods and housekeeping items to those veterans who have successfully completed in patient treatment and are ready to move into independent living
We had been brainstorming about how to satisfy the increasing requests we are receiving. Happily, your gift will allow us to do so. You are truly helping to make heroes, past and present, smile by adding to their quality of life.
With Heartfelt Gratitude,
Kim Schinder,
President
Blue Star Mothers of America
Miami Valley Chapter OH #3