After being barraged with so many horrifying stories of what both U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians go through on a daily basis, it’s news like that that makes us continue to have faith in humanity.
A massive blanket drive for people living in Northern Iraq has been created by combat medic Spc. Steve Stephens of Portland, Oregon. He and his fellow soldiers have decided to help people who have been displaced by the fighting and have no electricity or heat.
“It is our mission to make a positive difference in their lives; and as simple as a blanket may be to those back home, a blanket to those who have nothing is more of a necessity than it is a want,” he says.
Soldiers Helping Those in Need-Iraq, Stephens’ program, is completely voluntary and receives no aid from the government. Through their efforts, these troops have collected over 3,500 blankets to date. As they pass out the blankets to Iraqi people, the troops also distribute candy and toys.
Stephens took on the project after an organized toy drive for children led him to the realization that people were in need of blankets much more than toys. He has done charity work for much of his life–some through his church, and others through swimming events through which he raised funds for child cancer and domestic abuse programs.
Now that Stephens is safely home, Major Alex Stephenson of Medfield, Massachusetts coordinates the program.
For $8.50 (including shipping) you can send a blanket from blankets.com directly to a person in need in Iraq.
Tags: Iraq, peace, soldiers, soldiers helping those in need, solidarity