Greater Frederick Advertising Federation Partners with AnySoldier.com to Send Care Packages to Troops

Frederick, MD, August 03, 2009 --(PR.com)-- “Please extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the members of the Greater Frederick Advertising Federation, for it is through the generous and thoughtful support of the American people back home that we have the courage and morale to endure the daily fight and struggle to survive here in Afghanistan.”
– Sergeant First Class Bruce Lyon

As part of its 20th anniversary, the Greater Frederick Advertising Federation’s public service team is partnering with AnySoldier.com to collect and deliver care packages to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

AnySoldier.com started in August 2003 as an effort by one soldier, Sergeant Brian Horn, to take care of his unit. He agreed to distribute packages that came to him with “Attn.: Any Soldier” to troops in his unit that didn’t receive any mail. Since then, the organization has grown exponentially and has delivered items to over 79,000 U.S. troops throughout the world.

“When one of my colleagues told me about AnySoldier.com, I knew the GFAF needed to be a part of it,” GFAF treasurer and public service chair Lisa Gorham said. “Our care packages are a small token of our appreciation for our troops that are thousands of miles away from the comforts of home.”

Gorham explained that the care packages consist of DVDs, phone cards, toiletries, snacks, books, magazines, games, puzzles, and (of course) letters of support.

To date, the GFAF has sent a number of care packages overseas. The club began collecting supplies in mid-June and is relishing the relationships members have already established with the troops.

“We are located at an outpost in an isolated region of Afghanistan where we have no access to a PX or any of the small amenities people enjoy back home,” Lyon explained in an email to Gorham. “We are so isolated that our food and drinking water is parachuted into us. You cannot imagine how good it feels to have a new toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and some of the other things we cannot get here.”

Gorham said that, “it’s difficult for me to describe how I felt when I received the first email from Sergeant Lyons.”

The GFAF will continue to support the troops through AnySoldier.com throughout the 2009/2010 year and is hoping, with the generosity of the members and the community, it can continue this campaign well beyond. Donations from the public are welcome. Please contact Gorham at lisa@jeanpetersondesign.com for details.

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About the Greater Frederick Advertising Federation:
The Greater Frederick Advertising Federation is the regional organization for marketing, advertising, and creative professionals within central and Western Maryland. Boasting over [number] members, the GFAF is one of 210 local chapters of the American Advertising Federation. Each year, the GFAF holds a variety of programs, including professional development workshops, educational seminars, scholarships, social events, and awards competitions. To celebrate the club’s 20th anniversary, each event is paired with a public service initiative. For more information, visit www.greaterfrederickadfed.com.