Check out other great pictures of their journey here

Our official website, 911dayofservice.org, recently launched a new technology platform to help individuals, families and groups find causes, charities and volunteer opportunities in their communities to support on September 11^th and beyond. This is all a precursor to the 10^th anniversary of September 11^th next year, which we hope to make the single largest day of volunteerism and service in our nation’s history.

Please help by joining the twitter party, using the hashtag, or simply utilizing the website. To help get you started, here are the social sites you will want to follow:

MyDFWMommy:

Twitter

Facebook

911dayofservice.org:

Twitter

Facebook

Civilian and military readers alike understand the USO’s important mission to raise morale for soldiers overseas. From Operation Enduring Care to the Celebrity Entertainment Tour, the USO has been providing a home away from home for American servicemen and women since World War II. As a great connection for all Mommies throughout the internet, including mothers and wives to military heroes, we need your help spreading the word: please visit the fan page and contribute to the USO!

On the “60 Second Cocktails” Facebook page, you will find easy grilling and cocktail recipes using Bacardi products from celebrity chef John Besh and seasoned mixologist Bryan Stowe, both former Marines. The “60 Second Cocktail Program” is a great resource for summer BBQ, and an easy way to give to the USO.

Salute to Summer’s Best 60 Second Cocktails Recipes:

BACARDI® Hand-Shaken Daiquiri

3 parts BACARDI Superior Rum

1 part lime juice

1 part simple syrup

(or 2 Tbsp. Sugar)

Directions: In a shaker with ice, combine ingredients.  Shake and pour into rocks glass with ice.

GREY GOOSE® Fresh Berry Lemonade

1 ½ parts GREY GOOSE Vodka

Fresh-squeezed lemonade

5 raspberries

1 tsp. sugar

Directions: In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle raspberries with sugar.  Pour into a tall glass over ice. Top with GREY GOOSE vodka and lemonade.  Present with raspberries and a lemon.

CAZADORES® Margarita

3 parts Tequila CAZADORES Reposado

2 parts premium triple sec

1 part fresh lime juice

Serve blended with or over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

BACARDI® LIMÓN™ & Iced Tea

1 part BACARDI LIMÓN Flavored Rum

3 parts iced tea

Pour over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

DEWAR’S® CALLAWAY® Cocktail

2 parts DEWAR’S® 12 Blended Scotch Whiskey

1 part fresh lemon juice

1 part simple syrup

1 part ginger ale

Lemon wedge

Combine DEWAR’S 12 Blended Scotch Whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker filled 2/3 full of ice. Shake 4-6 times and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger ale. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Collins

1 ½ parts BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin

½ part fresh-squeezed lemon juice

¾ part simple syrup

3 parts club soda

Directions: Pour first three ingredients into a Collins glass with ice and stir.  Add more ice, top with club soda and stir well once more.  Garnish with a lemon wedge.

CHEF JOHN BESH’S EASY GRILLING RECIPES:

Grilled Watermelon, Tomato and Goat Cheese Salad

Serves 6

The hotter the grill is the better the “grill marks” will be left on the melon. I love the spicy pepper jelly vinaigrette over the melon before it’s grilled because the sugars will quickly caramelize, creating an incredible flavor. However, feel free to substitute what ever vinaigrette you may have on hand.

6 large slices seedless watermelon, rind removed

2 tablespoons BACARDI® GRAND MELÓN Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 pinch sugar

1 sprig basil, chopped

2 cups tomatoes, peeled (mixed colors of smaller varieties are best)

1/2 cup fresh goat cheese

2 or 3 handfuls of young lettuces

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh garden herbs such as chives, chive blossoms, chervil, parsley and / or dill

Marinate the watermelon in the BACARDI GRAND MELÓN Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette for several minutes before grilling over high heat. Grill each both sides of the watermelon for several minutes and remove.
In a small mixing bowl whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, garlic, sugar and basil together with enough salt and pepper to tasted.
Toss the small tomatoes with the vinaigrette in the bowl and place on individual plates or a platter along with the grilled watermelon.
Crumble the goat cheese over the top of the tomatoes and watermelon. Toss the lettuces in the vinaigrette remaining in the small bowl and serve over the top of the salad.
Garnish with what ever fresh garden herbs that you have available.

BACARDI® GRAND MELÓN Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette

Yields 4 cups

2 red peppers, brunoise

1 cup pepper jelly

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon sambal chili paste

2 cup canola

1/2 cup Bacardi Grand Melón Flavored Rum

Salt and black pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients and whisk until well combined.

Grilled Flank Steak with Louisiana Peach and GREY GOOSE® Citron Glaze

Serves 6

3 pounds flank steak

2 teaspoons canola oil

1 shallot, minced

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

1/4 cup rice wine vinegar

1 1/4 cup over ripe peaches, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon sambal chili paste

1/2 cup GREY GOOSE Citron Flavored Vodka

1/4 cup sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

In a small sauce pan cook the canola oil, shallot, garlic and ginger over medium heat until the shallot becomes translucent but not brown.
Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil on high, before removing and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Season flank steak with salt and pepper. Coat with olive oil and grill over medium heat. Cook until rare or desired temperature.
Slice flank steak thin and serve with glaze.

Grilled Chicken Breast with Tequila CAZADORES® Reposado Lime Glaze

Serves 6

1/2 cup rice wine vinegar

4 tablespoons Vietnamese fish sauce

4 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 clove fresh garlic, peeled

2-3 teaspoons sambal chili paste

3 tablespoons Tequila CAZADORES Reposado

6 boneless chicken breasts

1 lime, zested

Combine wine vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, sambal, and Tequila CAZADORES Reposado into a food processor and puree for a moment or so with 1/2 cup water.  Do not worry about straining the sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of sauce.
Marinate chicken breast in remaining glaze for 20 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade and grill on a preheated grill over medium heat for about 4 minutes on each side.
Top with grated lemon zest and serve with a side the glaze.

Grilled Peaches with BACARDI® Gold Rum

Yields three cups

2  cups Louisiana Peaches, pealed, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup BACARDI Gold Rum

1.    Toss the peaches in lemon juice, sugar and rum.

2.    Place on a hot grill and cook for 2 minutes on each side.

3.    Place peaches back into the lemon, sugar and BACARDI Gold Rum mixture.

4.    Serve with ice cream

—

Disclaimer:

Mommy PR does not endorse drinking under the legal age of 21. If you do drink… drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive. This is not a paid post. It is shared for the aspect of supporting our troops thanks to donations to the USO from Bacardi.

I had the BLESSING of being selected to receive 2 of these. Yes i could have cried for one, but 2? When i opened my mail box and seen the certificates i called my mom crying. These might not mean much to non military, but for those who have been through these deployments, this meant alot. The only thing they asked for was a photo and a short piece on what we thought. I already sent in my information, but i wanted to share it with you as well:

I was honored to be chosen for 2 daddy dolls for my girls. It has been a long road for them with 2 back to back deployment and an overseas move. When I ordered the dolls, I expected it to be weeks before they arrived. Instead it was super fast, so when I opened the package I teared up instantly. Sometimes after so long, you kind of forget what the spouse looks like in your memory. So seeing his face made me want to fall to my knees.

As soon as the girls seen them, Jasymne cried and ariel had a shocked look on her face. I knew these were meant for them to have. Not like a teddy bear, not a dolly. This was their daddy, always there for them now, day or night.

Ariel has not let her daddy doll go, in fact she has crying spells when she cant find it now. Jasymne leaves him on her bed, she says he can watch her play or she reads to him.

My husband really liked them just from the photos and video chat seeing our youngest interact with it.

Overall, I can not ever thank Hug A Hero enough for their kindness and generous customers who donated the funds to allow both my daughters a Daddy Doll. Emotionally, you will never know how much it has helped them.

Yours Truly,

Angela Roy

(PS- Those are cat scratches on her hand.. we do have a kitten lol)

Recommended by Child Psychologists, Daddy Dolls™ and our other Hug-A-Hero™ dolls have helped thousands of children cope with the stresses of separation. Whether you are deployed with the military, or a grandparent living across the country, Daddy Dolls™ and our other Hug-A-Hero™ dolls will keep you close to their hearts and just a cuddle away.

Simply upload or email your head-to-toe photo, and we’ll edit out the background to create a custom doll with your image, that is soft and hugable. By using an advanced printing technology, combined with our soft micro-fiber fabric, we are able to produce a “no-feel” image that is dyed into the fabric, so it won’t peel or crack and is completely machine washable.

All dolls come in two sizes; Larges are 17″ tall, and Smalls are 12″ tall. You can select a One-Sided doll with your image on the front and choice of fabric on the back, or select a Two-Sided doll with two different images (one on the front, and the other on the back) to double the hugs! All Daddy Dolls™ and our other Hug-A-Hero™ dolls feature our exclusive Keepsake Pocket™. We also offer FREE text printed below each photo, to further personalize your doll.

Here is the picture i sent in:

I want to give you some information on Huge A Hero Dolls:

We started Daddy Dolls after witnessing first hand how hard military deployments were on our children. With both of our husbands being Marines and both having been deployed twice in less than two years, the absence of daddy was beginning to take its toll on our own children as well as those of dear friends. We wanted to find some way to make the separation easier for our sons and daughters while keeping their fathers close to their hearts and in their prayers. With our determination to bridge the gap and Aunt Mary’s creativity, Daddy Dolls were born!

After seeing the amazing response from our own children, we realized that there were many children out there, not just military, that could use a doll of that special someone that was far away. Our children not only play with their Daddy Dolls, but also rely on them for strength during trying times like doctor’s visits or when they need an “owie” kissed. Sometimes only that distant loved one will do! They have also become a part of story time and grocery shopping. You never know where that Hug A Hero™ Doll might want to go! We hope the dolls touch your lives as much as they have ours.

~Tricia and Nikki

To order a daddy doll or another hug a hero product please CLICK HERE

To Nominate a family in need of these dolls, please CLICK HERE

To Donate to this organization, Please CLICK HERE

Hug A Hero Social Sites:
Find Us on Facebook
Friend Us on MySpace
Follow Us on Twitter
Watch Us on YouTube

Disclaimer:

I was NOT provided these dolls for Mommy Pr, this was a personal donation.

However i felt compelled to share this wonderful company with you.

I am VERY thankful to Hug A Hero, anyone who donated and Daddy Dolls for these gifts.

Jasmyne is not pictured but did receive a Daddy Doll

I guess to just to clarify:

Thomas Townsend says:
January 27, 2010 at 6:36 am
What a compelling story and great pictures….from OPERATION Hug-A-Hero. Just want to clarify a point to your readers. OPERATION Hug-A-Hero.org is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. Our OPERATION works solely off of Donations, and we in turn provide FREE Hug A Hero Dolls to those that meet our Eligibility Requirements as listed on our site. Daddy Dolls is the parent Company and is where one would go should they want to OPEN purchase a doll. If you want to nominate a family for a FREE Hug A Hero Doll or make a DONATION in the name of a family, please visit the nonprofit site at http://www.operationhugahero.org

THKS.

America’s Fallen Heroes Fund
Honors and supports the families of American servicemen and servicewomen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Its ongoing agenda of ticketed benefits in cities across America is targeting a $40+MM benefit pool.

American Gold Star Mothers
A nonprofit, 501 C(3), organization whose members are natural mothers, adoptive mothers or stepmothers, who are citizens or legal residents of the United States or of the territorial and insular possessions of the United States, and whose son or daughter has made the supreme sacrifice while in the service of the United States of America Armed Forces. (Husbands and children of members of AGSM may join as Associate Members.) AGSM’s mission includes… assist and further all patriotic work; aid in any way in their power the men and women who served and died or were wounded or incapacitated during hostilities; perpetuate the memory of those whose lives were sacrificed in our wars; maintain true allegiance to the United States of America; inculcate lessons of patriotism and love of country in the communities in which we live; and, inspire respect for the Stars and Stripes in the youth of America. (see site for more)

American Legion
A patriotic, mutual-help, largest war-time veterans organization with the purpose… to uphold and defends the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the great wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and goodwill on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

ASMBA STAR Foundation
Its mission is to improve the quality of life of the military service member, veterans and their families by contributing to those financial, educational, social, employment and medical needs unmet by the U.S. Government. It attempts to identify and respond to the military and veteran community needs by cultivating and maintaining effective partnerships with individuals, businesses, government, and other veterans organizations; and, communicating with the military service member, veterans, and their families to better identify those needs.

Central Illinois Honor Flight
A 501(c)3 organization whose goal is to take World War II veterans from a large area of Central and Southern Illinois to Washington DC to see their Memorial.  This one day trip is free of charge for the veterans and there is a guardian to accompany each veteran to insure their health, safety, and enjoyment throughout the trip.  After our goal of taking our World War II Veterans is accomplished our plans are to take our other war veterans so they may see their memorials as well.

Flowers for Heroes
A 501c(3) organization with a mission to sell red, white and blue bouquets and place them on all the headstones  at National Cemeteries, such as Arlington National Cemetery, Gettysburg National Cemetery, Quantico National Cemetery and Antietem National Cemetery . . . By doing so, we will be honoring our Fallen Heroes and the money generated will be donated to organizations affiliated with Gold Star Families across our nation.

Forgotten Heroes
Charitable organization whose purpose is to recognize hospitalized veterans that are typically either bed-ridden, mobility challenged, or otherwise socially disadvantaged. Forgotten Heroes realizes that too many hospitalized veterans do not have family nor do they receive many visitors, and its mission is to honor these heroes and to show our country’s gratitude for their service by… visiting and providing entertainment on a regular basis; and. facilitating a letter-writing program within the local schools, giving America’s youth an opportunity to show their gratitude to those who have sacrificed themselves for our freedom. (501c3 charity organization, all donations tax-deductible)

Freedom Alliance
A 501(c)3 educational and charitable foundation with a mission to advance the American heritage of freedom by honoring and encouraging military service, defending the sovereignty of the United States and promoting a strong national defense.

GIVE2THETROOPS
A nonpartisan, non-political, patriotic organization aimed at supporting U.S. deployed and wounded troops in harm’s way. We are managed by patriotic volunteers who ensure that deployed U.S. military members in all branches of service are supported with letters and care packages.

Helping A Hero
A 501(c)(3) non profit, non-partisan organization providing support for military personnel, severely injured in the war on terror. Our principal activity is to provide specially adapted homes for qualifying service members as well as engaging the community to provide services and resources for our wounded heroes and their families.

Homes For Our Troops
Non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides specially adapted homes for our severely injured service members. Through our growing network of monetary contributions, donations from building contractors, suppliers, corporate supporters and local volunteers, we are able to provide our assistance at no cost to the veterans that we serve.

Honor and Remember
A 501 ( c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the establishment of a national remembrance flag that would fly continuously as a visible reminder to all Americans of the lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. All Military lives lost not only in action but also in service, from our nation’s inception.

Honor Flight Chicago
A 501(c)3 organization dedicated to honoring Chicagoland’s WWII veterans by flying them all expense paid to Washington D.C. to reflect at their memorial, as many were no longer financially or physically able to do so. Additionally, HFC helps to bridge the generations by inviting families, schools and entire communities to participate in Send Offs, Mail Call, Welcome home Celebrations, Parades and Honor Flight Chicago Reunions.

Hope4Heroes
Founded by Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) vets to support disabled vets and families who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), loss of limbs, severe burns, and career transition. We serve all veterans from all generations and all conflicts! Additionally, millions of veterans and families from all conflicts suffer from the issues listed and thousands of their children need our support through scholarships. They gave all on the battle field and now, they need us in the board rooms and living rooms across the country. You can be a Hero to a Hero.

Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
Assists the families of our nation’s fallen heroes killed in the performance of their duty . . . These families must now face their future without a husband or wife or father or mother.  In addition to their grief, many of them must also address the questions of finding work, where to live, how to raise their children, how to provide for their education, and even how to get food on the table.  They need our help today!

Marine Corps Family Foundation
A nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation created when Operation Santa USMC grew from a small local outreach to a national project. Volunteers and contributors from all over the country came forward to support deployed Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan. In three months the Operation Santa project successfully sent Christmas stockings and gifts to over 6,000 US Marines who spent the holidays away from family and friends.

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
MCSF is a public nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation with a mission to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships for higher education to deserving sons and daughters of Marines and children of former Marines, with particular attention being given to children whose parent was killed or wounded in action.

Military Order of the Purple Heart
Veterans organization chartered by an act of the 85th Congress in 1958 whose purpose is to raise funds for services, welfare, and rehabilitation in connection with combat wounded U.S. veterans.

Military, Veterans & Patriotic Service Organizations of America
A nonprofit federation that pre-screens and certifies high quality national charities working to assist military personnel, their families, and veterans. We present these charities to potential givers in fund drives at work and on the web.

National Military Family Association
NMFA, “The Voice for Military Families”, is dedicated to providing information to and representing the interests of family members of the uniformed services on which our national security depends . . . NMFA activities revolve around programs to educate the public, the military community, and the Congress on the rights and benefits of military families AND to advocate an equitable quality of life for those families.

Operation First Response (OFR)
OFR is a 501 (c) 3 Tax Exempt nonprofit organization. . . with at mission to support our nation’s wounded Heroes and their families with personal and financial needs . . . OFR is committed to doing all that it can to support these families.

Operation Homefront
Provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)(3), Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide and has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need. Operation Homefront also operates an online magazine for military wives and women in uniform. Through this community, we reach the newest and youngest military families, instantly alerting them about our programs and other information to help them succeed in military life.

Rolling Thunder
A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization with over 88 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder are veterans, and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite.  All members are united in the cause to bring full accountability for POWs and MIAs of all wars, reminding the government, the media and the public by our watchwords: “We Will Not Forget.”  Rolling Thunder also provides financial aid, food, clothing and other essentials to veterans, homeless veterans and veterans’ families in need, women’s’ crisis centers and toys for children.

Salute America’s Heroes
A nonprofit organization that provides a way for individuals, corporations and others to support our troops by helping severely wounded and disabled Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their families rebuild their lives.

SemperComm Foundation
A charitable non-profit organization that was founded to boost the morale of U.S. service members stationed at overseas remote bases, by providing them with the means to communicate with loved ones back home and with access to a variety of entertainment equipment in order to make life at remote postings more bearable.

Silver Star Families of America
A 501 c (3) organization that was founded to remember honor and assist the wounded of our Armed Forces from all wars. They do this primarily by presenting the wounded or their families a Silver Star Banner and Certificate. The SSFOA has also expanded to include programs such as Hear4You, which consists of volunteers who stand by to listen to any armed force member who may have a problem, the Feed a Hungry Hero Program, Hand Held Game Program to assist hand eye coordination for our wounded, Homeless vet program, Information for women veterans and programs for PTSD, and TBI afflicted wounded.

Stars For Stripes
Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality entertainment to internationally deployed U.S. military forces. Working in conjunction with Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE), Stars For Stripes strives to take quality, celebrity entertainment into the remote sites where the troops need the moral boost the most.

Texas Fallen Soldiers Project
Our mission is to honor, respect and forever memorialize the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives protecting our freedom during active military service by providing, at no cost to their family, an original portrait of their fallen soldier that fully captures their appearance and personality. Our desire is to make a profound and lasting impact on the family while also providing a place where they can spend time with their soldier when they need them most. Our goal is to comfort and serve as many Gold Star families as possible through our portraits. (See documentary)

Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation
A non-profit organization with the purpose of supporting the needs of those serving the State of Texas during both peace and wartime.  It provides… immediate emergency financial assistance for Texas National Guard military members and their families; support for youth and family programs that provide key services and experiences to the Guard families; sponsorship for patriotic activities to build community awareness and cohesion; and, support for memorial projects to perpetuate the memory of our fallen Guard members.

The Murray Grey Foundation
A  nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the families of those that serve or have served America. Our primary focus is providing financial assistance to families facing home foreclosure. Additionally, we focus on providing emergency financial support for food, clothing, utility payments, transportation, home repairs and other critical resources to military families in need. The Murray Grey Foundation makes unrestricted, need based grants.

The Greatest Generations Foundation
A 501(C)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization dedicated to serving U.S. and allied war veterans. Our primary mission is to fund trips for veterans to return to their former battlefields. These journeys provide the veteran an opportunity to achieve some measure of closure on their war experience, to share the gratitude of liberated peoples, and to educate others on their individual experiences in a broader historical context. These courageous groups of veterans include Generations of men and women who fought in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Their dedication and bravery must never be forgotten, nor should the value of their deeds be allowed to disappear into the annals of history.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
Provides a wonderful support network for the surviving families of those who have died in service to America. To accomplish our mission, TAPS has a small professional staff and a large national volunteer network, managed by our Board of Directors and supported by our Honorary Board.

United States Veterans Initiative
Houses, feed, clothes, counsel, educate, and do whatever is needed to do to get veterans off the street and stable in employment or get their benefits so they can be independent and re-enter the community.

USO (United Service Organizations)
Its mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The original intent of Congress—and enduring style of USO delivery—is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military… In times of peace and war, the USO has consistently delivered its special brand of comfort, morale and recreational services to service members and their families.  A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO is not part of the U.S. Government but is endorsed by the President of the United States and the Department of Defense. Each President has been the Honorary Chairman of the USO since its inception.

Veterans Memorial Park of Northeast Michigan (VMPNEM)
A Michigan nonprofit corporation dedicated to assuring a Memorial Park that is dignified and first class in structure, appearance, and purpose and reflective of the respect that our veterans deserve. Every cent raised is directly invested into the Park-we are a 100% volunteer organization.

Veterans of Foreign Wars
A rich tradition in enhancing the lives of millions through its community service programs and special projects. From providing free phone cards to our nation’s active-duty military personnel to raising money for the World War II memorial, the VFW is there, “honoring the dead by helping the living.”

Wounded Warrior Project
Dedicated to serving the needs of a new generation of veterans and ensuring that the United States government and the American public live by our motto, “Putting Veterans first in America.”  It fills a vital need, the need for a coordinated, united effort by a new generation of veterans to aid and assist each other and most importantly assist Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to readjust to civilian life.

Wreaths Across America – National
A nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project. Its mission, “Remember, Honor and Teach”, characterizes the projects goals perfectly. The wreath laying is now held annually on the second Saturday of December throughout America. WAA also reaches out to thousands of children, stressing the importance of honoring each fallen serviceman as an individual.

Wreaths Across America – Houston
The Houston chapter of Wreaths Across America National that raises funding to purchase live Maine wreaths for the Houston National Cemetery.

This holiday, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, the world’s leading florist and gift shop, supports the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation through its new Toys for Tots Collection of holiday flowers and gifts. In an effort to help spread the warm and fuzzy feeling to children in need, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM will donate 10% of the Net Proceeds from product orders from its Toys for Tots Holiday Collection to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

“With 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, we will be able to plant a seed of hope in many more children this holiday season,” says Lt. General Pete Osman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “With the support of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, we hope to achieve our goal of delivering toys to children throughout the United States.”

“1-800-FLOWERS.COM is excited to team up with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to help deliver the magic of the holidays,” said Jim McCann, Founder and CEO 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. “With the Toys for Tots Holiday Collection, both 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and its customers will have the opportunity to support this important campaign and help children in need.”

1-800-FLOWERS.COM has launched a Secret Santa application in support of Marine Toys for Tots Foundation which is accessible via Facebook. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM encourages visitors to share the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM’s Secret Santa application and help spread the warm fuzzy feeling this holiday season. In addition to the donation of 10% of the Net Proceeds from product orders from its Toys for Tots Holiday Collection, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM will make an added donation as visitors share the application through December 20, 2009.

According to the most recent U.S. Census, there are an estimated 13 million children in the United States living in poverty. As a result, Toys for Tots conducts many activities throughout the year which help generate toy and monetary donations to aid in the development of underprivileged children in the U.S. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Toys for Tots are committed to improving the lives of children in communities across the country, therefore, pairing their collective resources will move both organizations closer to achieving that goal.

For additional information, please visit www.1800flowers.com/toysfortots.

Thanks Global Influence Network for alerting me of this!

WHO: Online retailer, AllAmericanDirect.com

WHAT: A re-launch of the popular ‘Laptops for Flat Tops’ contest that chooses two military families to win a laptop with and embedded webcam (for the family) and an additional webcam (for the soldier) to help improve communication with their loved one while they are deployed. Interested parties may simply go to the site and tell us why they deserve to win.

WHEN: Now through September 4^th!

SITE: To enter go to www.allamericandirect.com/military

WHY: After the success of their first two contests in April and June, AllAmericanDirect.com is even more excited and committed to saluting those in uniform by giving them the means to ‘see’ their family while they are thousands of miles away. Everyone knows how difficult separation from a loved one can be, especially when deployments are long and/or extended.This is a way for AllAmericanDirect.com to say thank you to the soldiers and military families that have sacrificed so much to serve the USA.

Hurry Over NOW!!! Enter for your family to win one of 2 laptops !!!

Click Here For LAPTOPS FOR FLATTOPS!