Saint Coleman Men's Club makes a difference in 2009
By Dan Smith  
Saint Coleman Men’s Club is a fraternal organization associated with Saint Coleman Catholic Parish in Pompano Beach, Florida.  The Men's Club continues to support America’s Moms for Soldiers, providing donations of money to cover postage and supplies to be sent to our servicemen and women.  They remain committed until our troops return home!

In 2009 Saint Coleman Men’s Club “Adopt-a-Soldier” program was a great success, channeling over $3,500 from members and the general public to cover postage and supplies for over 175 care packages!  You can find their donation centers located around the local community.

The Men’s Club collaborated with Starbucks to deliver thousands of pounds of coffee to America’s Moms for our troops.  They made over 20 pick-ups from three Starbucks stores in Broward County, Florida.

During the summer in Afghanistan our troops need sand scarves.  Anticipating this need the Men’s Club contacted the Saint Coleman Women’s Council for assistance.  The Women’s Council responded with a resounding “YES!”  Since then, the Men’s Club has purchased the materials and the Women’s Council is sewing the scarves.  America’s Moms will begin sending them in April, 2010.

The ongoing support from Saint Coleman Men's Club is critical to providing monthly care packages to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Their selfless dedication truly demonstrates their principles and values.  Please visit their website for more information: http://www.stcmc.org/. 

Chief Petty Officers Association of Miami helps keep us "afloat"
By Dan Smith    
Through an introduction by Pat Hughes, Judy Smith presented our mission to the CPOA of Miami.  In addition to a generous ongoing financial contribution, the CPOA introduced us to some new fundraising opportunities!  We are also wearing the CPOA of Miami shirts proudly!

Volunteers join the cause
By Judy Smith    
Over 25 volunteers have joined the cause over the past few months.  Sue Hatch is coordinating our volunteers, Paul Powell is managing our events, Dana Peters and Cynthia Thompson are taking on much of the administrative duties, Ann Valez and Manuella Smith operate the supply center at Di's Sub Shop, Pat Hughes and Pat Caruso provide coordination with AT&T Pioneers.  The response is amazing!

Michael Mayo published column in the Sun Sentinel
By Dan Smith    
On September 13, 2009 After spending a couple of hours observing volunteers in action and speaking with our Founder, Karla Smiley and our President, Judy Smith, Michael Mayo published a half-page article in the primary newspaper for South Florida.  The link follows: http://shar.es/1HaTJ

Public charity status granted!
By Dan Smith    
On June 25th, 2009 the IRS determined that America's Moms for Soldiers qualifies as a public charity under section 501(c) (3) of the Code.  All contributions are tax deductable and the organization is exempt from Federal income tax.

Furman Insurance of Fort Lauderdale clears the lot
By Karla Smiley
Our local insurance agency generously allowed us to take over their parking lot for a weekend of fund-raising.  Despite the heat, citizens sponsored over 100 care packages and brought in hundreds of dollars worth of supplies. 

Care Force 10 brings in Publix and the Florida Marlins
By Judy Smith
Local ABC affiliate, WPLG, aired a story over Memorial Day on America's Moms for Soldiers.  During the follow-up interview, which aired over July 4th weekend, Care Force 10 brought along about $5,000 in supplies from the Florida Marlins and Publix along with $1,500 in cash to cover postage from the Marlins and Care Force 10 viewers!  Check out the video link on the home page.

Employees of the Broward Sheriff's Office Coordinates Care Packages for the Month of May, 2009
By Judy Smith
Employees of the Broward Sheriff's Office collected supplies and made donations to cover postage for care packages to over 400 soldiers.  Along with volunteers from local veterans organizations the supplies were packed into boxes, labeled and delivered to the Post Office over a three-day period.  Pictures are on the homepage.  Thanks!

Expanding Operations
By Karla Smiley
2000 square feed of unused office space was donated by a local software company allowing America's Moms for Soldiers to expand service to over 500 soldiers!

Politics Cafe is on the air
By Dan Smith    
Mark Belcher, host of Politics Cafe, interviewed founder, Karla Smiley on www.politicslobby4.com.  The show airs on multiple websites and radio stations and will be replayed from March 26th through April 1st.  The exposure provided by Mark is incredibly valuable and will enable America's Moms to continue sending packages to over 420 Soldiers and Marines each month.  THANKS MARK!

Westside Regional Hospital delivers
By Judy Smith
Staff of Westside Regional Hospital responded to a donation drive organized by Cara Roberts in a big way.  I got the call that they had six huge boxes ready to be picked up.  Within the week the supplies were shipped to Afghanistan!

Requests for Soldiers more than DOUBLES in the first two months of 2009
By Karla Smiley
In the first two months of 2009 the number of requests for soldiers has grown from 150 to 360.  We are getting help from local groups and individuals who are promoting donation drives in their organization.  Let us know if you are collecting supplies and donations for postage so we can pick it up.  We send out packages every week!

Patrons of Di's Sandwich Shop come through!
By Dan Smith    
To get one of the best sandwiches in Pompano Beach, Florida you will probably get a little "friendly" pressure from Angelo to make a donation for America's Moms.  His staff has repeatedly taken the donations and purchased over two dozen boxes of supplies to be sent to the soldiers.

Appreciation straight from Iraq
By Karla Smiley
When I receive emails like the one below it brings tears to my eyes and motivates me to do everything I can!

Dear Mrs. Smiley,

I want to take the time to properly thank you and the other members of floridamomsforsoldiers for thinking about the soldiers deployed in Iraq. I am the Platoon Leader for xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.  My soldiers received the packages with great surprise and enthusiasm. I will send you a picture of the Platoon whenever possible so you and your members can see who are the soldiers receiving your care packages on the other side of the world.

The men are doing an excellent job. We have the pleasure of enjoying some access to the internet and phone services that keep us in touch with our family and friends. However, men are still only men. It is undeniable that the distance, the lack of that warm touch with your love ones, is one of the hardships of a deployment. Receiving a simple letter, let alone a "care package" is absolutely a morale booster. On behalf of xxxxxxxxxx I I sincerely thank you for thinking about us. Your kindness is commendable.

Sincerely,

2LT xxxxx, Luis
Platoon Leader

January 8, 2009 Edition of The Observer promotes "Moms for Soldiers"
By Dan Smith    
David Volz related Karla's story to readers in Deerfield Beach, Florida.  In the article, Jean Robb, former Mayor of Deerfield Beach, described how she thought it was a wonderful idea and personally went shopping for supplies at the local BJ's.  Tom Kelaher, Karla's brother-in-law is recognized in the article as handling much of the shipping of care packages and he explains that we are looking forward to meeting with the Florida Kiwanis Club in Fort Lauderdale in February.

"Florida Moms for Soldiers" becomes "Americas Moms for Soldiers"
By Judy Smith
You might notice that our organization has grown from "Florida Moms for Soldiers" to "America's Moms for Soldiers".  When Karla began this program, she was supporting about 20 soldiers with personal funds.  Over a two month period, we have received requests from the Chaplains and FRG’s to support over 150 soldiers.  Many people from across the country have inquired about supporting our cause, so we have expanded the name to allow everyone to participate.