Pack a Box and Change a Life

Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world with an abysmal literacy rate. Schools have been demolished and many teachers have been either executed or banished from their home towns. 

We could point fingers, find blame and have unending political discussions--but that just doesn't seem appropriate when brave teachers in Afghanistan are willing to re-enter makeshift classrooms filled with students wanting to learn.

Put your checkbook away, because what these kids and teachers need are basic school supplies. US and Canadian soldiers are assisting in this venture, and are undoubtedly providing some level of protection.  

12X12X5.5-inch boxes can be picked up or ordered from the US Postal Service for free. Pack one or two or three as tightly as you can with paper, pencils, rulers, erasers, world maps, and whatever else you believe a school or student might need.

For around $12.50 you can mail one of these boxes, regardless of weight, in care of (mark box as school supplies):

CH (CPT) J. Joseph DuWors 
HHT, 4/2 SCR 
FOB SPIN BOLDAK 

APO AE 09355

This military Chaplain and Captain writes:

Some have asked about possibly supporting local schools or children. If you are still interested, the time to begin collecting is now. Due to the challenges of this area, many times, if there is a school building, there may not be a teacher. Or, if there is a school and teacher, there may not be supplies. Many of the schools have been damaged and teachers driven off by the Taliban more than four years ago. 

Our presence and influence here is aimed at providing security for the legitimate government of Afghanistan. We hope that security will enable schools to once again reappear. Our long-term plan for regional stability includes schooling for Afghani children. 

We do have some resources locally to obtain the necessary supplies. However, we could really use some help. So, if anyone is interested in sending care packages of humanitarian aid for schools, below I am listing basic school supply items that would be helpful. 

I will be consolidating all school supplies for distribution, and, if my boss allows, I will go with the soldiers to distribute it so I can send you pictures and video or your school supplies reaching the children. 

The mailing address remains the same as regular care packages. Thanks again for not just thinking of us, but of those whom we are here to support as well. 

Writing Materials is the primary need: 
Pens 
Pencils & Sharpeners 
Erasers 
Paper pads 
Notebooks 
(Any kind of paper is useful) 
Please no crayons (they will melt) 
If you want to send markers for drawing that is okay 
chalk and erasers 
rulers 

You may also consider: 
school backpacks 
chalkboards 
floor matts for sitting on world maps soccer balls 

Again, Thanks!!!

CH (CPT) J. Joseph DuWors
HHT, 4/2 SCR FOB SPIN BOLDAK 

APO AE 09355