We REALLY need your help!

The lack of updates here is an indication of how busy we are right now. We have lots going on and plenty of holiday projects in the works! Unfortunately we are really short on volunteers this time of year.

With the new school year starting our more youthful helpers are back in class and their parents who normally help out are involved in carpools, PTA, and sporting events. Not that there is anything wrong with all these things, but it limits the amount of time that they can be available t help us pack boxes and sort letters.

As a result we are putting out this call to anyone who can spare a couple hours to help! We have tons of items to be sorted and packed into care packages, a couple hundred letters that have to be screened and we need writers to do customs forms and address labels for the packages. We also need someone with a van or truck who can pick up donations and bring them to the packing office and help us take the finished boxes to the post office.

I would like to find someone who is familiar with blog type software, or is willing to learn, to help us keep the websites updated. The software we use here would only take an hour or two to at most to learn how to add articles and photos. You do not even need to live close to us to help with this.

Please send all responses to: keystonemilitary@yahoo.com and put Volunteer or Website Help in the subject line. We appreciate any and all help and I know the troops will appreciate getting their care packages faster.

Another concern for Keystone is shared by many of the support organizations. We ALWAYS need money for shipping. Having lots of "things" to ship means we need lots of postage money to ship it. The average individual care package (12x12x10) costs between $12.00 and $18.00 to ship and the unit size boxes we send (24x18x18) cost from $22.00 to $45.00 to ship. During the holidays the packages are much heavier. We send Thanksgiving dinner boxes that cost much more to ship because we have to send canned goods in them. We try very hard to find corporate sponsors to help with postage costs but it still usually falls short of the needs.

It is very hard for me to ask for money but when it comes to making sure our troops are taken care of I am willing to beg if necessary. We need every dime we can get to make sure the holiday packages get mailed on time. If you can make a donation to help with postage please use Paypal (our account is: keystone@keystonesoldiers.com) or send a check or money order to us at the address listed on our front page at the top. There is no donation too small to be of help! If there is a different troop support organization you normally work with please make a donation to help them.

I will be posting details of our upcoming events at Bear Creek Ski Resort and our packing party in November in the next few day. I also have tons of pictures and thank yous for those who have been helping all summer. Gold's Gym had such an awesome event that we are still sorting the donations! Be sure to check back for all the details.

As always thanks for your continued support for Keystone Soldiers and for our troops!!

~Lordzmom

Lots of Updates

WOW! It's been a while since I have had some time to do any updates. I sincerely apologize for that, but not for the reason. My soldier son is finally home! I have been spending some time trying to fatten him back up again and just enjoying his company. We also have been working on some really big things for Keystone Soldiers the last 6 weeks!!

We have managed to find some office space and a packing facility to make getting our packages out faster and easier so we can support more of our troops! How is that for BIG news? We will be announcing our new location, phone number and hours of operation about April 1st! We will be needing some volunteers to help us get the location ready. We need shelving units donated and/or built so we can get all of our donated items sorted on them to make packing simple and quick. We will also need volunteers to come in on a regular basis to do care packages. Our goal is to get a care package out to every soldier who signs up within 48 hours of receiving their request.

We have one more HUGE announcement so don't stop reading now!

We will be participating with Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA for their Armed Forces Appreciation Days! On May 6 and 7, Active and Retired Military personnel and Reservists and up to three family members will receive $6.00 off the Regular full one-day admission price of $29.95 and/or Child full one-day admission price of $24.95 and/or Senior full one-day admission price of $22.95 and/or Senior Plus admission price of $15.95 by showing a current military ID at time of purchase. Keystone Soldiers will be there to help collect items donated for care packages for active duty deployed military in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo and any other location where they are needed. We will have brochures, information and some gifts for those who stop by our table and say hello. There will be more details coming up soon and we hope to see lots of you there!

On a more serious note.....we are proud to have been able to assist 6 PA military families with heating oil assistance so far this winter. Helping these families while their spouse is deployed is just one of the reasons we are here. We will have a separate article about this later in the week so be sure to stop back. Find out how you can help us help these families or apply for help if you need it.

Thanks to all those who have been sending donations and items for care packages after the holidays. This is a time when donations traditionally fall short of requests but thanks to some very generous donors we have been able to keep the care packages and letters rolling out of here without any slow down at all! YOU are awesome!

We currently have a need for some specific items for the spring and summer care packages. We really need pre-paid calling cards (AT&T Global Pre-Paid from AAFES or Sam's Club) and sand scarves. The Shallyn sand scarves are still available by clicking the link on the front page of our website. They make GREAT Mother's Day gifts for our female personnel deployed in the sandbox and we will be running our annual promotion to get them to as many of our girls as possible for Mother's Day again this year. Please consider sponsoring 1 or more to add to our care packages!

We will be needing lots more Avon Bug Guard with sunscreen for the summer months. We have a local Avon lady who is supplying us with this at her cost so if you want to make a donation for this item we will have her link posted on the front page too. You will be able to order it, or any other items, and request drop off for care packages on her Avon page or by email.

Remember when you send us items for care packages that there are several items we cannot ship. NO aerosol cans, chocolate (it is getting hot already), pornography, or alcohol. We also have enough paperback and hard bound books to start a library right now. All of the snacks, toiletries and other regular items will gratefully be accepted for shipment to our troops.

Thanks for visiting and come back again soon. Please contact us at keystonemilitary@yahoo.com if you would like to be a volunteer or make a donation to support our heroes!

~Lordzmom

Our troops in the south

There are currently several thousand National Guard troops helping in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Many of them are friends of ours here at Keystone Soldiers.

As our mission states we are here to provide help and support for the troops no matter where they are deployed. We will be continuing our efforts to send care packages to those deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo AND we will be shipping assistance to those now deployed to the southern states.

We received a phone call yesterday with a very specific list of needs for a couple of our units in Louisiana. Here's hoping some of our supporters can help us get these items to them quickly.

The difference between the care packages and the items for the south is that the listed items are an immediate need. They must be assembled and transported as quickly as possible.

Care packages will continue to be shipped weekly to the deployed troops. We cannot let our troops overseas feel forgotten because of the crisis we are facing here in the states. We appreciate your continued support for these brave soldiers.

We are attempting to set up collection points for the items requested by the troops in the south. We will post the drop off points once they are set up. We may be able to arrange pickup if you cannot drop off the items. Please call 610-944-6328 if you want to make arrangements for drop off or pickup.

Here is the list of requested items:

• Hand Sanitizer


• Antibacterial wipes and soaps


• rubber gloves


• trash bags


• paper towels, sponges & shop towels


• Lysol spray


• work gloves


• glove liners


• band-aids


• Neosporin or antibiotic cream


• bug repellent


• Individual size snacks


• water & Gatorade


• towels & wash cloths


• travel size toiletries


• tooth brushes


• socks

Thanks for any and all help you can provide! There is a Paypal link on our main site for those who would like to make a monetary donation to this project. www.keystonesoldiers.com

~Lordzmom

Changes to Penpal Program

Effective immediately, June 1, 2005, we are changing the way our penpal program operates. Please read and follow the directions listed below to be sure your letters get to the troops!

Why are we doing this? Simple. We want to ensure that our troops are getting letters of support and that their safety and security are assured. That is our number one priority and will never change.

We have heard from some of the people signed up that they are not receiving letters from their penpals. This means they either did not read or did not understand the rules that were sent along with their penpal's information. Military penpals are not obligated to write back. YOU are the penpal and should be sending letters of support and encouragement every week to ten days. Those receiving the letters are busy with things like dodging bullets and helping entire countries find a better way of life. Some of them work 16 hour days or are away from their base for weeks at a time on missions. They need our support, not whining about why they don't have time to write to you.

There are also those who seem to ignore the rules about treating your penpals as if they are your brother or sister. Lots of these troops are married and are NOT looking for love, just a little honest support and compassion. Photos of you and your family are great. Bedroom photos are prohibited by our rules and just plain show poor taste! Then there are those who sign up and commit to sending mail but then only send one letter and wait for a reply or just forget to write. The penpal agreement states you should continue sending mail even if you do not hear back. Mail is slow in some areas but that does not lessen the need for our support. We are committed to making sure that all those who sign up with us get mail as often as possible.

You may think this sounds harsh, but as I said before the safety and well-being of the troops are our main concern. Our program only operates to show our respect and support for those who are making great sacrifices for our country. We will not jeopardize that for the sake of a few people who refuse to follow the rules.

The changes to the program are as follows:

All letters and cards to the troops should be written and placed in a plain, unaddressed, unsealed envelope. You may put your return address on the envelope. You may also include photos, phone cards or mementos if you like but all pictures must follow the lines of good taste. Do not write anything in the address section of the envelope.

If a stamp is on the envelope we will add a mailing label and send it directly to one of our troops. If no stamps are on the envelope it will be included in one of our care packages. Regular 37 cent stamps are all that is needed for mailing unless the envelope is more than 1 ounce. Then additional postage is required.

Just a reminder: Do NOT seal the envelope.

Pack all your letters together and mail them to us at the address listed below. We will mail them out to the troops who have requested penpals. Remember that not all of our troops are in Iraq. We have soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in Afghanistan, Kosovo and several other places around the world. All of the letters and cards will be mailed as long as the guidelines are followed.

Please mail all your letters and cards to:

Keystone Soldiers

PO Box 152

Fleetwood, Pa 19522-0152

Thanks in advance for your consideration and cooperation.

If you receive a letter back from one of our troops you are free to then communicate directly. You may send care packages through Keystone or on your own. Care packages through Keystone Soldiers are still only $25.00 (cheaper than you can do yourself!) and are packed in a box 12x12x8 with a card listing the sponsor's name (and address if you like). They contain an assortment of basic toiletries, snacks, stationary items and phone cards when we have them. We have been able to maintain the price thanks to many kind donors and businesses that send us some of the things we include. Most of the price is to cover the postage that runs from $10.00 to 20.00 per package. We currently are shipping care packages several days a week! You can sponsor a care package by using the Paypal link in the left column or mailing a check or money order to us at the address listed above.

I would also like to address another question we get on a regular basis. Why don't we give out email penpals or include their email address with their information? The answer is simple. We only give out their email address when we are asked to do so. Their computer time, in most cases, is very limited and we feel that email is for communication with their families. If their email is filled up with mail, jokes and forwards from their penpals then the email from their families may not get through. The idea of penpals is so that they have mail during mail call. No one should have to walk away from mail call empty handed. If you get a reply and they include their email address please keep in mind the limited size of their mailbox. Write to them but don't send junk emails unless they ask for it.

I hope that you all understand the changes to our program and why they have become necessary. I know for those who want to offer true support they will not pose a problem.

Thanks for your continued support for Keystone and for our troops!!

~Lordzmom

Operation JumpStart

Operation JumpStart is designed to raise funds over a short amount of time to encourage and provide startup voluntary private sector funding for a military family assistance program for residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

At least 14 states have already established a military family assistance fund for their citizens, and Pennsylvania is among 22 states considering this idea. However, Pennsylvania is one of the largest contributors of National Guard and Reserve forces to our national military efforts, and there is no time to waste.

Operation JumpStart should spur the development of an actual military family assistance program, which would then receive lump sum contributions from Operation JumpStart, enabling military families to receive needed financial assistance. By giving money now to Operation JumpStart, you will help spur the immediate public or private sector creation of this program.

This project is not organized by any state or military agency and it not intended to issue family assistance grants directly. Our goal is to turn over contributed net proceeds to a state-administered military family assistance program (if one exists at the time), or to a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization following the objectives described on this web site. As a last resort, we will contribute the funds to a national nonprofit organization that agrees to use these resources for Pennsylvania military families.

Because this project is organized under the auspices of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization), all contributions are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the Internal Revenue Code.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

1) Donors who make a gift of $10 or more will receive a front license plate with a logo and phrase, “We support Pennsylvania Military Families.” (The first 500 people who donate will also receive a hand-cut magnet in the shape of Pennsylvania with a similar logo). For donations of $20 or more, will receive two license plates. Operation JumpStart would encourage you to donate to this worthy cause at whatever level you think is appropriate. The plate is just a small recognition of your support. If you would like more than two plates, please contact Operation JumpStart by email at supportmilfamily@aol.com.

2) The first 100 businesses or organizations who donate more than more than $250 (sponsor 25 license plates) will receive a professionally printed large mockup of a license plate and Thank You poster that can be put above the logo of your business or organization. These business can also pickup in Harrisburg at no charge a military surplus canvas vehicle door to mount the Thank You note, their company name and the large mockup of the license plate. This door is light weight and can be hung on a wall as a display.

3) Donations will be accepted via website and by mail. Donate using a credit card by clicking here , or by mailing a check or money order to Operation JumpStart, c/o The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, P. O. Box 678, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0678.

For more information please be sure to visit the website at: http://www.operationjumpstart.net to show your support for our military families! I already ordered my plates!

~Lordzmom

More Valentines Received...

Sorry for the delay in posting these. I had a little run in with my dog and broke my ribs. :)

Received Saturday, Monday & Tuesday:

T. Kiselewski - S.V. School #196 - Sesser, Il
Mrs. Severin's Class - Sycamore School - Redding, Ca
J. Green - Morenci, Mi
C. Peters - Belton, Mo
The Bauhans & Bauman Family
S Rarth - Stokesdale, NC
J. Jordan - Ball Ground, Ga
L. Wood - Greensboro, NC
Miss Boyle's Second Grade - Belton, Mo
Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education - Baldwin Park, Ca
Belton School District - Belton, Mo
Majek - WMS School - Wilmantic, Ct


Thanks to all of those supporting our troops!

~Lordzmom

More & more Valentines

Here is the list of Valentines received today (Thursday 2/3)

Thanks to all of the following:

Mr & Mrs T Arrington - Tyler, Tx
Open Door Bible Class - Tyler, Tx
Green Acres Baptist Church - Tyler, Tx
Mt Olive Lutheran Church Senior Youth - Corpus Christi, Tx
Hillcrest Kids Central ASPIRE - Belton, Mo
Salisbury Academy Kindergarten Classes - Salisbury, NC
J. Jordan - Ball Ground, Ga

Thank you again! Our troops will love them!

We have received thousands of Valentines already and will hopefully be collecting lots more at the Boscov's stores this weekend. Don't forget to stop by if you are in the area and say hello. You will also be able to sign the Valentines we will have there or you can bring one of your own to add to the box.
All Boscov's Dept Stores are collecting cards. You can drop them off at the Courtesy Desk until Saturday Feb 5th. They will then be sent to those serving our country all over the world!

~Lordzmom

Valentines Received

We have received Valentines for the troops from the following people or schools:

J Murray - Steelton-Highspire HS - Steelton, Pa
L Boblett - Mulberry AR
GSA - Erie, Pa
C Daracon - Sherman Oaks, Ca
B McDonald - Yeokum Middle School - Belton Mo
S McCown - Texas
R Fox - Belle Vernon, Pa
V Wilson - Sidney, Oh
E Wilson - Scott Elementary School - Belton, Mo
Buckner Elementary School - Buckner, Ky

Thank you all for helping to Make a Soldier Your Valentine!

If you sent cards or letters and your name is not on the list please post a note here or email us so we can check on them.

~Lordzmom

Email settings

Anyone on AOL should add keystone@keystonesoldiers.com, and keystonemilitary@yahoo.com to their address book or friends list.

We are continuing to get passwords for site registration and and penpal assignments returned to us because AOL and several other ISPs (Internet Service Providers) think it is spam or do not allow attachments of any kind to go through. When we assign penpals there is an attachment that is a plain text file that contains the Penpal Rules that should be followed. This attachment is plain text and perfectly safe for anyone to open.

If you still are not hearing from us after adding us to your address book there are several things you can do to make sure our mail gets through.

Create a Mail Rule. Create a new folder in your email named Keystone. Go to Set New Message Rule or what ever your email program calls it. The rule should be set so "Mail from XXXX@XXXX.com" goes directly to your Keystone folder. Add both our email addresses in place of the Xs. That means that our email will always go to the correct folder and you will see it as soon as you login. This works 90% of the time.

Get a free Hotmail or Yahoo account. Yahoo and Hotmail do not seem to have a problem with our email but you may also want to set up a Mail Rule on the account just in case. The accounts are free and allow you to read your email on the web. Since one of our email addresses is Yahoo you can guess who we recommend.

If you have registered on any of our sites and do not receive your password in 4 hours please email us directly so we can reset your password and send it to you again. Make sure you have followed the instructions above before you contact us or the email will not get to you when we reply.

We hope this helps eliminate some of the email issues we are currently seeing. If you have any other suggestions (since we do not use AOL) please post a comment here to share them. We hate to have anyone feeling rejected or ignored because they are not getting their information from us.

~Keystone

Wearing your support

How would you like to be able to stay warm and cozy AND show your support for our troops? Well as of today you can do just that!

The SHALLYN Sand Scarf that was created to help our troops get through the sand storms is now available in many colors for the general public.

You have seen the scarf in our ad on the side column and in the articles in several papers and on TV. Now you can own one yourself in colors to match your wardrobe. The best part is that SHALLYN is still donating a portion of the proceeds to Keystone Soldiers so we can continue to ship care packages!

The original military color scarf is still available for shipping to our troops and they are the only ones who will get the desert tan color. They are discounted from the regular price to encourage everyone to purchase one for their penpal, loved one or for general distribution.

You can see all the new colors at SHALLYN. If you purchase one please let us know Keystone Soldiers will send you an envelope of our flag decals and clings so you can let everyone know you support our troops!

Come on folks and help us get this new trend going! We want to see lots of these scarves everywhere and show the world that we support those serving our country.

Thanks for your continued support!

~Lordzmom