Looks like we need a bigger trunk...

I was out of town for the past 10 days. When I checked the List Kids' postal box today, I was pleasantly surprised ---no, stunned--- to find so many packages waiting for pickup. Two of the List Kids' biggest (and most prolific) supporters had outdone themselves again. Carol in Tulsa and Matt in South Carolina were responsible for most of these packages! This month's care packages are going to the best ever. Nancy, a fabulous graphic designer, sent some amazing cards she designed. And my friend, Ian in Colorado, sent me his Gamecube and a bunch of games. Add this to the Gamecube that my cousin Christian donated and you know there are going to be some happy List Kids. You guys really are the greatest. We have quite a few new families that will be arriving this month and next so we are excited about giving them a List Kids' special welcome. Thanks to Carol, Matt, Nancy, Christian and Ian, we will be ready for them.

Sky

Priceless!

I almost don't want to write anything as this photo speaks volumes. I bet you are sitting there at your computer with a smile on your face; it's contagious. These are three of our List Kids. In this month's care package they received an XBox and some games...do you think they liked it? I will admit that this photo brings a special smile to my face because it was my XBox and I am so thrilled to see that it really made them happy. What makes me even happier is that I have received several more game systems so I know there will be even more List Kids smiling like this. I love this photo, and I am extremely grateful that they gave us permission to share it with you. I am going to stop writing because my words are nothing compared to the photo. Priceless!

Dream Big, Think Big, Do Big!
Sky

What's missing from this photo?

What's missing is the 4th box that contained a Big Wheel! All four boxes came from one of the List Kids' biggest supporters --- Carol in Tulsa. I immediately shipped out the Big Wheel to a lucky young List Kid to enjoy. As usual, Carol sent loads of handwritten cards and stickers. She also sent a Leapster. These are really fun toys that will help the youngest List Kids with their English. I can't wait to assemble this month's care packages!

Carol, you deserve a standing ovation for all of your support!

Sky

Games, Games, Games!

We have received at least one kind of each of the major gaming systems, with the exception of a PSP and a Wii. We have collected several Gameboys, a Nintendo DS, a Playstation 2, an X-Box and a Gamecube. Thanks to Carol in Tulsa, we have even received a brand new Leapster. The systems have already been sent out to several lucky List Kids in this month's care packages. What we need now are some more games to send to the kids. I know you can turn in your old games and get a credit for them towards a new game, but think about how much better it would feel to send your games to a List Kid! For nothing more than the cost of postage, you can give a List Kid hours of fun. Think about it.

THINK BIG, DO BIG -

Sky

P.S. We could still use more systems, so send those in if you have one your are willing to part with! Playstations and X-Boxes are especially nice since they can double as dvd players;)

All of this in one box!

Okay, imagine my surprise when I received today's List Kids mail. First, I received a big box from my friends in California. Morgan (a very talented young person) wrote these amazing welcome cards in Arabic. They are so beautiful. Trust me, the photos do not do them justice. They are so cool. And, I am so jealous that I can't write in Arabic! Plus, Morgan and her mom went shopping and sent tons of paper, markers (192 to be exact!!!!), flashcards, and puzzles. I cannot wait to sit down to prepare the next set of care packages. The kids are going to love this stuff!

I also received some great letters from Matt in South Carolina and a very generous donation. I "met" Matt online at the List Project's new networking site: http://netroots.thelistproject.org/ I was amazed at how fast he offered to help. I already have a special gift in mind for two young List Kids and your gift, Matt, has made it possible to get this gift in time for the next shipment.

I can't thank you guys enough for all that you have done to make a difference in the lives of these kids!

Peace,
Sky

Iraq Fact of the Day: The writing (takbir) on the Iraqi flag means "God is great." The flag that was approved by parliament of Iraq in January 2008 changed the script of the takbir to Kufic script (a venerable script that originated in Kufa, Iraq).

Take A Stand

Thanks to John and Molly, I have learned about Sunkist's "Take A Stand" program. Sunkist will provide you with a cool lemonade stand (like the one used by John and Molly), posters, flyers, recipes, and other tips to help you raise money for a charity of your choice ---- of course, I suggest The List Kids;)

All you have to do is request your own stand at: http://www.sunkist.com/takeastand/

What a great way to have fun this summer and raise money for The List Kids! If you are willing to "take a stand" for the List Kids, please let me know. Click on this link for a List Kids flyer to distribute to your customers: List%20Kids%20flyer.doc

I will send anyone who hosts a stand a cool List Kids wristband and backpack. And, if you send me your photos, I will post them here on the List Kids blog.

My email is: kids@thelistproject.org


Sky

Iraq Fact of the Day: I don't know if lemonade is popular in Iraq, but I do know that orange soda is!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

I want to introduce you to two special friends: John and Molly. They are both 9 years old and live in Louisiana. They worked their lemonade stand and donated all their profits to the List Kids. They raised $43.35 in one day selling lemonade! They also passed out flyers to help raise people's awareness about the problems faced by our Iraqi allies. Very impressive. But that is not all - - - John also donated his Gameboy and a bag full of games. John and Molly learned about the List Kids, thought of way to help, and took action. They exemplify the List Kids new motto: Dream Big, Think Big, Do Big.

Kudos to John and Molly! You DID BIG!

Peace,

Sky