Sanford Family Collects School Supplies for Operation Iraqi Children Member of Sanford family's security detail deployed to Iraq and chairing program
March 18, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – March 18, 2009 – The Sanford family is pooling allowances together to purchase school supplies for Operation Iraqi Children (OIC). MSgt. Dean Johnson, part of the Sanford’s security team, was deployed to Iraq in December 2008. Johnson is dedicating his down time to serving as project chair of Operation Iraqi Children – a program designed to provide ongoing support to young Iraqi students through the distribution of school supplies and soccer balls.
Mrs. Sanford said, Dean’s deployment is a constant reminder in our family of the sacrifices that our military makes for us. When Dean told us about his involvement in Operation Iraqi Children, it was without hesitation that our family decided we want to help! We are preparing our own boxes of supplies to send to OIC this week and hope that other families, schools, clubs, and community organizations join us.
Between now and May, the Sanford family asks South Carolinians to join them in collecting school supplies – and then to mail the donations to MSgt. Dean Johnson.
Supply List
* One pair of blunt-end scissors
* One 12-inch ruler with metric markings
* 12 new pencils with erasers
* One small pencil sharpener
* One large eraser
* One box of colored pencils
* One package of notebook paper
* One composition book
* Three folders with inside pockets
* One zippered pencil bag
* NO Crayons or Glue sticks, they melt in the Iraqi summer heat!(110°-125°)
* Soccer balls- inflated or deflated- are greatly appreciated, too!
* We thank you for your support but please do not include extra items.
Mailing Address
MSgt Dean Johnson
Operation Iraqi Child
407 AEG/ELRS/CCF
APO AE 09331
Mrs. Sanford added, In addition to this effort, we are personally continuing to donate to public education needs in our state, something we’ve done over the years and most recently through Donors Choose directly to SC schools. We understand the great needs here in our state, and would encourage any South Carolinian with the means to do so to help support children here, abroad or both.
To learn more about Donors Choose or to make a donation to this organization, please visit www.donorschoose.org/sc.
To schedule an interview with the First Lady or to learn more about Operation Iraqi Children, please contact Curry Hagerty, 803-737-4772.
