Arizona Almanac

PACKAGES FROM HOME

In this installment I want to introduce you to a local charity that has a great mission. 

Packages arrive overseas
Photo credit: Packages From Home

Packages From Home was started by Kathleen Lewis in March of 2004 when her son, Christopher, was deployed to Iraq.  She sent him packages regularly, and learned that he was the only one in his squad that was receiving packages.  She got some friends together and they started have "packing" parties in her garage.  Donated items were packed and sent to her sons squad.  Over the course of the next year the grassroots project grew into the charitable organization it is today.  Today,  Packages From Home provides an average of 1000 to 1500 packages to overseas troops every month. If you live in the Phoenix area you can collect your own donations and go to the PFH facility to have a "packing party".  You will be able to pack your own donations for the troops, which PFH will then send overseas for you.  You can also drop off donations and they will pack them for you.  If you don't live in Phoenix you can also donate online.

So why am I telling you about this today?  Well, today is Armed Services Day and PFH is doing a "money bomb". A money bomb is when an organization asks all of its supporters to make a financial donation - of any amount -  to the organization on one specific day.  The effort is primarily online. They hope to raise $15,000 today which will provide 1000 packages that will help 5000 service members.

Go here to read more about Packages From Home and make a donation, if you wish.

Happy Armed Services Day to all our military heroes.  Thank you for your service!!