Help for the Troops II

[mike55]

..thought I'd carry this over from the temp server.

Well, I thought I had taken this effort as far as I could. However, in the last few days I've received emails from prior donors stating (in essence) that I should keep it going. I've aslo received additional donations. With all the demands we have, catching up after a busy and always costly holiday season, I'm a little reluctant to revive it. But it is a worthy cause.

While my initial investment in time was more than I had bargained for, it has paid off in ways that far exceed the time invested and monies donated. I've also managed to find what I believe is the most economical and efficient way of purchasing and getting the calling cards distributed. In other words, all the leg work has been done. So, if there are others that care to and can donate, I'll continue.

As in the past, each and every donor will be sent an email confirming purchases. Donations can be sent via PayPal to troopcalls@gmail.com . Any amount is acceptable and greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact me with questions, comments, etc..

Here's the list of all donors to date:

$189.60 Mike R.
$10.00 K.C.
$50.00 Richard C.
$10.00 Chuck H.
$25.00 Matthew K.
$100.00 Rob McK.
$24.00 Mark W.
$25.00 Jonathan H.
$250.00 Anonymous
$100.00 Kirk E.
$50.00 Anonymous
$25.00 Keith C.
$25.00 Rex W.
$25.00 Daniel A.
$50.00 Don T.
$50.00 Warren S.
$20.00 Mike M.
$120.00 Jeffrey H.
$50.00 Mike Z.
$50.00 James T.
$100.00 Darrell E.
$25.00 Christian G.
$50.00 Mark S.
$25.00 Hudson B.
$25.00 J. M.
$15.00 Kirk F.
$20.00 Terry C.
$10.00 Mitchell L.
$100.00 Jeffrey C.
$25.00 Chris W.
$50.00 Vernon L.
$100.00 George M.
$20.00 Stephen M.
$100.00 Thomas W.

We've raised a total of $1853 net of fees.

So far, we've purchased total of 61, 550 minute pre-paid calling cards for distribution in Iraq and Afghanistan. These, under ideal condition yield up to 2 1/2 hours total talk time. Cost = $1707

Thanks again to all that contributed. Again, let's keep all those serving overseas in our thoughts,

Mike

[mike55]

Instead of starting a new thread, I thought I'd continue this one for back ground......

Some of you might recall, I organized a donation drive to raise funds to buy pre-paid calling cards for American and Canadian troops overseas. In about a month over the winter holidays, we collectively raised $1853. Great success by any measure.

I hadn't thought about it, until I received a couple of emails from past donors asking if I would be doing it again anytime soon. The short answer was no; but if the will is there, I'd have no problem dedicating time to it again. The process is easy. So here we are.

I've received several donations in the past 2 days and will give it a go again.

With all that is happening with the housing and job markets and fuel prices, it might be a stretch for some; so do what you can, IF you can. If you care to donate at this time you can send a donation of $5, 10, ??? to the paypal account troopcalls@gmail.com.

As in the past, I'll post first name and last name initials (unless you tell me you want to stay anonymous) and as card purchases are made, the donors will receive a purchase receipt via email. No tax deductions for you or me.


Any questions, just drop me a line.

Best of the summer to all,

Mike

[mike55]

I'll update this list in the order donations are received:

$25 Mike R.
$100 Mark S.
$50 Mike Z.
$20 Scott J.
$10 Abby S.
$50 Richard C.
$100 Robert C.
$20 Matt N.
$25 Jeffrey N.
$25 Chris M.
$20 Randy V.
$10 Marc G.
$50 Ed S.
$35 Greg C.
$40 Terry C.
$250 (Anonymous)
$50 Eric - The Plug Guy
$100 Adam G. / Apryl B.
$50 Noby T.
$15 Mel W.
$50 Marc S.
$25 Joseph C.
$25 Anthony T.
$50 Bill G.
$25 Tucker D.
$35 Lewis C.
$250 Eugene L.
$50 Bruce M.
$100 John A.
$100 Alan G.
$50 Joseph R.
$50 (Anonymous)
$25 Roger G.
$100 Walker B.
$20 Lindsey J.
$40 Glenn M.
$25 Dan Gi.
$100 Jim H.
$40 Dan Ga.
$100 (Anonymous)
$10 (Anonymous)
$200 David B.
$100 Jeff H.
$25 Tim T.
$100 Cam Mc.
$100 Paul G.
$50 Dennis M.
$50.27 (Anonymous)
$20 Jackie
$150 George M.
$25 Kirk P.
$10 Danny K.
$25 Darrell E.


Total = $3170

[mike55]

Guys and gals, just a gentle nudge. So far 1 CC member has donated (repeat donor). I know there are lots of priorities and demands on us; but it is a good cause and it pays off in ways far greater than the actual donation amount. So do what you can or email me with any questions/suggestions you have. Cheers,

Mike

[Greg Curtis]

Where can I make a donation Mike?

[mike55]

Greg;

You can send a donation via PayPal to troopcalls@gmail.com . Thanks!

[mike55]

Quick update - Jul 15, noon....

As of now we've raised $450. Once I get to $707, we'll purchase first 25 card pack (each 550 minutes). This will allow up to 2 1/2 hrs of talk time from Iraq or Afghanistan.

We've had 140+ views of this thread, and 2 CC members have donated so far. With over 23,000 members, I hope we can do better. So with a gentle nudge (again), I hope and encourage you to do what you can. It really does make a difference and goes a long way to show we care. I'm happy to put my time, effort and donation in without any expectations.

Let's make it worthwhile for all and put a smile on your face and those of others. Thanks again,

Mike

[Greg Curtis]

Thanks Mike!

[tcrist]

Paypal sent

Terry

[mike55]

Update - Jul 16, noon(ish).....

Since my "nudge" yesterday at this time, I've received an additional $1000 in donations/pledges and I thank you all for it. It makes the effort all the more worthwhile. It's greatly appreciated.

We have enough now to buy cards that will allow 50 service men/women over there to call home for up to 2 1/2hrs total talk time. That's a good thing!

Let's try to keep the momentum and see if we can surpass the last drive's total. Stay tuned......

Mike

[mike55]

Hi folks;

Well in one week we've surpassed what we did in one month last time around. So far the tally is $2050 ($1980 net of PP fees) received/pledged.

Congrats and thanks to all donors! We're very close to buying the first 75 pre-paid cards. Once all funds are received, I'll update you via email.

For those contemplating donating, please do. Any sized donation is acceptable. Let's try for another 75! Cheers,

Mike

[mike55]

We just made a purchase of 75, 550 pre-paid cards, for a total of $2107.35. Again these are good for approx 2 1/2hrs total talk time each from Iraq and Afghanistan. Donors, check your email.

I'm happy we can put smiles on at least 75 deserving individuals. I hope you feel as good about this as I do . 3 donors on the current list are CC members. For those that can donate, please do. We've already surpassed last winter's drive and it would be great to add even more. Thanks to all that have stopped by and to those that have donated.


Regards,

Mike

[tcrist]

Bump to the top, Only 3 CC members donated??????
Terry

[mike55]

Terry;

Thanks again. Your participation in this drive and the last one is greatly appreciated. So far, 3 CC members are on the list of donors - you and another are 2nd time donors. I realize times are tougher than they've been in a long time and this plays a role in one's ability to donate, especially to something like this.

It would be great to see more CC members participate. If not, that's OK. We've surpassed the totals in the first drive and I'm happy for that. Again, donations of any size are acceptable. Let's try to keep it going....

And thanks to Brent and CC for the space.

Mike

[mike55]

Quick update. With several new donations and the residual from the last purchase, we're on our way to purchasing another 25 pack of pre-paid cards at the very least. If you can donate, please do. Thanks again to all contributors. It's made this effort very worthwhile.

Mike

[armymedic]

Mike/All,
As an active duty soldier for the last 24 years I would just like to take a moment to say "THANK YOU". It is always nice to hear an appreciative word or a warm thank you and for those that are deployed it is extra nice to get things like this. It takes special people to recognize that "freedom isn't free". Again, thank you and everyone that has given or shown their continued support for the soldiers.

[mike55]

Well that's high praise indeed. I've (we've) received similar comments, both privately and on the forum(s) and am always happy to get them. Recieved them from parents and family at home as well. It really does make all this worthwhile. Whether or not our militaries should be there or not is not the issue here. We all have our opinions on the matter, including me. But you've been placed over there and if this small gesture makes a difference for a few, we're happy to do it.

C'mon CC let's get busy....

Mike

[scott black]

Shelby Autos wants to be part of this important effort! Mr. Shelby and everyone on the Shelby Autos team will match every Club Cobra member donation, up to a total of $707, that comes in for this project by Monday, July 28, 2008. That means your donation will be doubled by Shelby (up to the next $707) begining today. Will you take up the challenge?

[mike55]

Scott;

I'm speechless...... That's an extremely generous offer! It'll put a few more smiles where they're needed. You'll have to thank Mr. Shelby and the rest of the Shelby crew on our behalf.

When donations are made, please attach a note saying you're a CC member, with your CC Username. It'll help me keep track.

Thanks again to all,

Mike

[mike55]

Folks;

Let's do the best we can and take Shelby Autos up on their offer. Please do what you can. Any questions or comments, feel free to PM or email me directly. Thanks,

Mike