Moms seeks help with Operation Postcard to support troops over holidays

The holiday season is fast approaching, but for the soldiers in Iraq, the war doesn't stop for Christmas tree trimming and secret Santas.

The Blue Star Moms are asking for community help with their project, Operation Postcard.

The Blue Star Moms began during World War II, shortly after Pearl Harbor, in order for parents to support their children in the armed forces. In March of 1942, more than 600 mothers had joined the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.

Operation Postcard is a project that collects holiday cards to send to troops overseas during the holiday season. The project began three years ago and has been a big success in the community.

Donations to help pay for postage are gratefully accepted. School classes, scout troops and other organizations and clubs are encouraged to participate. Drop-off boxes are located at the Nevada Day Inc., 1900 S. Carson St. in Carson City and The Record-Courier office, 1503 Highway 395 in Gardnerville.

The Blue Star Moms are not affiliated with any specific political party. Residents are encouraged to participate and donate to help support those fighting overseas.

For more information or questions, contact Blue Star Moms President Leslie Evans at 782-3168, or visit the Web site, www.bluestarmoms.com.

Guidelines for submitting postcards:

• A standard index card is most commonly used

• Write encouraging, supportive messages

• Ideas for beginning the message: "Dear Service Person," "Dear USA Protector," "Hello from (town and state)"

• Say a little bit about yourself

• If name and return address are included, some soldiers may write back

• Draw a picture or use stickers to decorate the card

• Write the note on the card and deposit into box; postage and shipping will be done separately.

Melanie Collup, a former actress with Proscenium Players, appeared on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" Friday and got up to the $8,000 level before time ran out.

She will be on again Monday at 9 a.m. trying for the $16,000 question, on up to $1 million. The show airs on the CBS network, Channel 2.

The Carson Sertoma Club president Frank Taylor presented the Carson Senior Center with a donation this week.

Taylor gave the $1,000 check to Charles Daniels, senior services manager of the Carson Senior Citizens Center, at the club's weekly meeting Wednesday at Q's Bar-B-Que restaurant.