RobertMackFoundation.org
http://www.robertmackfoundation.org
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...in loving memory of Ted Spottswood...
In late July 2009 the mothers of U.S. Army Capt. Justin Daubert and Marine Lt. Jonathan Bush began a program to supply pillows for combat units deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. The soldiers' simple need was to have a small, compact pillow which could easily fit in his field pack to help him rest more comfortably during those rare moments of an "adrenaline break" (pillows such as this are not issued to combat arms units by the U.S. Government). With a plan of action and their goals shared with John and Patrick Harris of Harris Pillow Supply in Beaufort, SC, John and Patrick not only donated to the initial project but agreed to manufacture the pillows at their cost. Since the inception of the "Pillows for Patriots" program, Barbara & Dave Farrior and Jenny and Ken Bush have raised over $18,000 to provide 8,000 pillows for soldiers and Marines.
In September Amy Suzanne Mack, Director of the Robert Mack Foundation, approached the Board to donate 10,000 pillows for three Brigades of the 101st deploying to Afghanistan in 2010. Our Board along with its Consultants/Advisors unanimously agreed to support these families through the Foundation's 501 (c) (3) status for tax deductible contributions and provide our personal interaction with corporate and private donors to achieve its goals.
Due to the generosity of the Harris family the cost per pillow shipped to stateside pre-deployed units ranges from $1.85 to $2.25. International shipping to combat units in Iraq and Afghanistan places the total cost at approximately $3.45. In the days ahead we are hopeful a domestic transportation company will establish a rate which will allow us to provide more pillows to pre-deployed troops - where the money should be targeted. We have also taken the initiative to substantially reduce or eliminate international shipping which again, will allow us to provide more pillows to those who need them.
"Every donation is a valuable donation" and we appreciate your interests in "helping our troops sleep better so we'll sleep better." Thank you for your support in this endeavor.
For more information on "Pillows for Patriots" |
