Published Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:04 AM
Updated Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:05 AM

 

Watts Line 03/19/08

Supplies on the way to Iraq


Our recent story, column and photos of PFC Robert Dunleavy has evoked many calls, e-mails and even a few in-person visits. As always, the heart and soul of Summerville shows in the generosity of its citizens. When last I wrote of our problem of getting school supplies to Dunleavy for the Iraqi children, I was asking for better ways to deliver the goods. Suggestions have come in from the public, and a couple of angles are being explored that could make this project even more successful. But today I’d like to mention the little successes along the way. I’d like to start by thanking Jimmy and Rebecca Jackson for the $100 donation made Monday as we were leaving the Summerville Oakbrook Rotary Club meeting. With that $100 we will mail nine boxes full of supplies to PFC Dunleavy. Another reader called with supplies she had purchased for her daughter – paper, pencils, notebooks – that were never used. She is donating those and they will find their way into one of the boxes that the Jacksons’ donation provided. And for those of you who want to mail things yourselves, the address for PFC Robert Dunleavy is:

PFC Robert Dunleavy

A Co 1-21 In BN #43007 Camp Liberty

APO AE 09344-3005

Together we can make this work by combining donations of money and supplies with the Summerville Journal Scene getting the supplies packaged and shipped. We will continue to work on an even grander scheme.

And from our readers, a few encouraging notes:

Dear Ms. Watts:

I hate to say it but I think you may have underestimated what you think children can do.

My Father and I were looking at Wednesday's newspaper and we found the article you wrote about the schools in Iraq, and you're right, that it is sad that 'we can't do better,' but I think that kids can do a very good majority of that project…They can go to their schools and talk to their principals about getting the school to donate lots and lots of school supplies…I myself go to Summerville Elementary. I am in the fifth grade and have always been interested in helping other kids and not just kids but many others too.

What I am planning to do is talk to my teacher and my principal about starting a contest to see what class in Summerville Elementary is willing to bring the most amount of school supplies…After that is done with, I would like to do other schools in Dorchester District Two. Like the other lady said, people in Summerville have very big hearts. That means kids too!

Carolyn Edwards

Dear Judy,

I read with great interest the article and your opinion piece on Bobby Dunleavy. I taught Bobby when he was in elementary school so it was fun to see that he has become a responsible adult…If you find a good way of getting supplies to Bobby and the children of Iraq, please let me know. I would love to have that as a service project for my GATE students and I'm sure I could get other teachers to participate as well.

Thanks,

Lisa Kelien

3rd and 4th Grade GATE Social Studies

lkelien@dorchester2.k12.sc.us

Dear Judy,

Our church, Trinity Methodist in Givhans, would like to send…supplies and we also have a cookie ministry and would love to send him cookies each month. We currently mail out ten boxes a month. We make the cookies at our church and are always adding new troops…Thank you for giving us a wonderful article on a local guy…

Dear Judy,

Read the articles today and would LOVE to send some supplies to PFC Dunleavy. I've been sending packages to addresses on the Anysoldier.com site since the war began. I've managed to put $20 worth of postage weight into the $8.95 flat rate box on several occasions. I'm all over this new, bigger box! It would be wonderful to send something to a hometown guy!

Thanks a bunch!

Georgane Coggins