Desert Messenger

June 12, 2013 Operation Hero Comfort receives thank you letter from troops By Joanne Winer Operation Hero Comfort recently received a letter from one of their adopted troop units in Afghanistan, telling them that they are coming home and thanking them for all their support. The letter came with a scarf for Anita Carlson, founder of Operation Hero Comfort, and some postcards from Afghanistan showing what it is like where they were stationed there. The letter reads as follows: "Dear Mrs. Carlson: Thank you for your support throughout this deployment. Your husband was right. It does feel like Christmas every time we receive a package from someone back home. It sure makes all this worth it. The guys and I were very thankful for all the packages. The toiletries were very useful and the snack tasteful. We are at the end of our deployment, the guys and I are finally going home to our families. Some of us a little more hurt and tired than others, but all in all we have been able to accomplish everything that has been asked of us to the best of our abilities, and know that your support was essential to our success as a unit. " Its people like you Mrs. Carlson, that make the sacrifices a little easier to bear. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for us. To you and those who have helped you with Operation Hero Comfort we will be forever grateful. I know it's not much, but I have included an Afghan scarf in this package for yourself and also a few postcards that you can give to anyone that has helped you support our unit through Operation Hero Comfort. And, as I wrote above, our unit is finally going home after 9 months of deployment and the care packages will no longer be needed. Once again, thank you and those who have helped you with Operation Hero Comfort." Sincerely, Spc. Orlando Avila Operation Hero Comfort currently has 4 adopted units, and will be getting more very soon. They send care packages to their adopted units twice 3 www.DesertMessenger.com a month, giving them two packages each time, one with food items and one with non-food items like toiletries, books, CDs. DVDs, cool collars, cards, games etc. Each package costs $14.85 to send, and sometimes they have to buy the items needed that are not donated. They have had as many as 10 units at a time, and have never turned down anyone who requests packages for family members. To help raise money for postage, and to buy items needed, Operation Hero Comfort has a silent auction every December, this year it will be December 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the new Community Center. They will also be doing a Dessert Social at the Eatery this coming Sunday, June 16 from 2 pm. to 3 p.m. to help get more packages out. If you want to help, and feel a sweet tooth craving coming on, come on over to the Eatery this Sunday and join in the fun. Your support will be greatly appreciated. For further information about Operation Hero Comfort, or to make a donation for the packages, please call Anita at 927-4292 or on her cell phone at 763-639-9330. Watch Quartzsite Videos @ Parents as Teachers program now available in Quartzsite By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear Quartzsite, AZ - Shelley Fischer Arizona's Children Association Lake Havasu City branch presented a program overview to Quartzsite Town Council May 28th. The free program is funded by First Things First. Fischer explained the home visitation program is for parents and parents-to-be with children younger than age 5 who want to learn new techniques to promote children's learning and growth. Parents As Teachers Your children have so much potential. As a parent, you have a unique opportunity to be their first teacher. That's because most brain development occurs in the first few years of life, and you can make a difference. Parents As Teachers will show you how. The Home Visitors will provide you with resources appropriate for your child's stage of development. Through Parents As Teachers, you'll develop a stronger relationship with your child and help prepare them for academic success. Benefits of Parents As Teachers: • This program is evidence-based, and proven to work. • Children who feel safe, healthy, and cared for can thrive. • We'll catch possible developmental challenges early on. • We'll connect you with a variety of community resources. • Fun activities will deepen your relationship with your child. Eligibility Requirements • All parents-to-be and parents with children younger than 5 years old For more information contact Shelley Fischer at (928) 680-4458. PUBLIC NOTICE Need Cash? Jim Buys in Quartzsite! 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