Editor, The Spotlight:
One of the saddest thank you letters that I received from a soldier in Afghanistan who was thanking me for the books he received from our organization, Books For Troops, Inc., expressed to me that one of the biggest fears the troops have is that they will be forgotten by the American people.
The erroneous nature of this fear was in evidence on July 7 when Jim Barrett, owner of the River Street Beat Shop at 197 River Street , organized a block party fundraiser for Books For Troops, Inc.
The funds raised that day were to be used to pay for postage to send donated books to our troops to show them that they are truly never far from our thoughts.
Jim featured three bands, Big Creek — a blue grass band, Off the Record — a futuristic ‘60s band with big hair and all, and the Chandler Travis Philharmonic Band, masquerading their tremendous talent behind silliness, pajamas and bathrobes, clown hats and witty repartee. In the background was a colorful and poignant Books For Troops, Inc. display.
The crowd, while drawn to the great entertainment, never lost sight of the objective of the concert — to help the troops. I wish I could send a video of the concert and the crowd to every soldier in Afghanistan to show them that the troops are far from forgotten.
The musicians who donated their talents, the owner of the record store who donated his time and money, and the hundreds of spectators who donated funds, books and comics were all there for the troops.
If you missed the concert, you can still help our troops by sending a donation to Books For Troops, Inc., 152 Oak Brook Commons , Clifton Park , NY 12065-2677 . You can take part in our “Adopt A Box of Books” project by sending a check made out to Books For Troops, Inc. for $12.50 to mail a box of about 35 books to the soldiers.
Books For Troops, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations, so all contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. You will be another person helping to prove to our troops – like Jim and so many others who have kept Books For Troops, Inc. alive for over two years – they will never be forgotten.
Ellen R. Keegan
Founder and Director
Books For Troops, Inc.
