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YourHub.com \\ Port St Lucie \\ Stories \\ Non-profit Organizations \\ Fundraisers

A Summer of Care Affair for American Troops

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Contributed by: Jeannette Walsh on 7/1/2009

Local Dentists Collecting Much Needed Items for Overseas Troops

When most people want to make a tuna sandwich, it's as easy as walking into the kitchen and opening the cupboard. If we want to wash our hands or take a shower, we simply do just that. Or if we want to make a call to a family member or friend, we just pick up the phone. When it comes down to it, it's often too easy for Americans to go about their daily lives taking simple things for granted and not even thinking about the struggles our troops overseas go through just to have somewhat "normal" things.

Local Dentists Craig Stranigan, Ryan Askeland and Brent Harris appreciate the freedom and simple pleasures they and their families have and want to support the people who work hard everyday to ensure those freedoms. Thus, on July 11th, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., they will host "A Summer of Care Affair" at their offices in St. Lucie West, an event to collect items American soldiers need to make their lives a little easier while fighting overseas.

Residents are encouraged to come to Stranigan, Askeland and Harris' office that day to donate items our soldiers need (see list below). While there, they can enjoy the music and sounds of renowned musician Ben Prestage, a local artist who has made headlines and won awards with his unique blend of funky Americana, blues, swamp Florida and folk music. In return for donated items, guests will be treated to hot dogs and hamburgers, grilled by local vendor HerbeQue. Guests will also be able to tour the new offices of Stranigan, Askeland and Harris during the event to see for themselves the latest technology and equipment available to SAH patients.

Dr. Brent Harris was excited about the event, stating "We feel honored to be able to support our troops in some small way and look forward to seeing the community come together to show their support as well. We're asking for guests to also bring letters and cards expressing how much they appreciate our American troops". These letters will be sent by Forgotten Soldiers Outreach to the troops along with the donated items.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach was begun by Lynelle Chauncey Zelnarin 2003. Zelnar was inspired by a friend's son who was serving in Iraq at the time. Zelnar heard about the frustrations and discouragement that soldiers were feeling and decided to try to do something about it. She sent out emails asking family members, friends and business associates to write letters and put together care packages to be shipped to the unnamed soldiers. Six years later, and more than 100 volunteers strong, the organization, now a 501 © (3) organization, ships hundreds of packages a month out to soldiers, and are dependent entirely on volunteers and donations. John Oldham, Warehouse Manager and Public Speaker for the organization said it best, "We at Forgotten Soldiers Outreach are sending a little bit of home through letters of encouragement, hygiene items and nonperishable foods, to our troops who are serving our country and maintaining our freedom." Of course, monetary donations are also welcome. Each package that goes out contains about $40-60 worth of product but costs approximately $20 to ship out. Learn more about this organization by visiting them on the web at www.forgottensoldiersoutreach.org or by calling them at 561-369-2933. You can also send donations to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc., 9770 S. Military Trail, Suite B7-249, Boynton Beach, Florida 33436.

Stranigan, Askeland and Harris is a local dental firm offering a full range of cosmetic and general dentistry procedures. Their professional and caring staff provides "Impeccable Quality with Old Florida Hospitality". They are located at 421 SW Bethany Drive in St. Lucie West with office hours Monday through Thursday from 8:20 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:20 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Call (772) 340-0805 for an appointment or consultation. You can also learn more about them on the web at www.sahdentistry.com.

Items Currently Needed for Our Troops

Beef jerky
Baby wipes, trial size (Used in the field to wash face and hands and in place of showers)
Mouthwash, trial size
Hand sanitizer
Kleenex, trial size
Baby powder (known in the desert as a "desert shower")
Foil packs of chicken, salmon, shrimp and crabmeat
Disposable cameras, either digital or film
AT&T International calling cards or US Postal International calling cards; these two are the ones that work best for soldiers calling from overseas into the US.
Note: cell phones that are collected are sent to another organization that specifically handles sending those to troops.

Submitted by:
Jeannette Walsh-Weiss
Simple Success Marketing, Inc.
2646 SW Mapp Road
Suite #305
Palm City, Florida 34990
772.287.2098 (tel)
772.781.4571 (fax)
Simplesucess.com

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