Terri Barnes

Spouse Calls

Join the conversation with Stripes columnist Terri Barnes, as she explores issues relevant to the lives of military spouses.

Caring by the cupful

Posted February 9th, 2008 by Terri Barnes
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In the spirit of St. Valentine's day, the next two Spouse Calls columns are about sharing a little sweetness.

This week's story is about Lauren Ewest, a 12-year-old who is not waiting until she's grown up to give back to her community. Click here to read my interview with Lauren.

Lauren founded Operation Cup of Love, a project which distributes cups, hot chocolate mix, sweets and handwritten notes to troops preparing to deploy and those who have been injured.

Her goal is to put these gifts in the hands of 1,000 men and women this week, including the wounded at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, military members passing through Ramstein Passenger Terminal, and families at the Landstuhl Fisher Houses.

She has partnered with USO Kaiserslautern and hopes to continue her project on other holidays.

“All through the year, not just for one month, we want to say ‘We support you,’ and ‘Thank you for what you are doing,’” Lauren said.

Volunteers are needed to help with the distribution. To find out how you can help Operation Cup of Love, contact Amanda Malloy at USO Kaiserslautern at malloya.uso@tks-net.com.

operation cup of love

On February 11th, 2008 ewest06 says:

I just wanted to thank all of my family , friends ,USO,volunteers and everyone who donated to operation cup of love we were able to complete 1200 cups of love 200 more then our goal now we will be busy passing them out but i couldnt do it without all of your help .
Lauren ewest

Thank You, Lauren

On February 12th, 2008 Terri Barnes says:

Thanks for the update, Lauren. It's wonderful to hear that you met and even surpassed your goal!

Terri

 

Cell Phones for Soldiers

On July 6th, 2008 Terri Barnes says:

I received the following e-mail from Mark Kenyon, who works in marketing for AT&T, about an effort to help the U.S. military:

After checking out your blog I thought I might have some information that your readers and other supporters of our troops might be interested in. This July 4th, join AT&T and Cell Phones for Soldiers by recycling your old cell phone to help provide U.S. troops with free phone cards to call their friends and loved ones.

 

Customers can recycle their old cell phones in more than 2,000 AT&T stores across 1,100 U.S. cities, as well as at sponsored events like Vans Warped Tour 2008, the popular music festival.

 

For more information about donating phones or funds to Cell Phones for Soldiers, visit att.com/holidayconnect. To start your own donation drive, go to att.com/recyclewireless."