A Time for Giving...

Being that I'm very much in the holiday spirit, and that means I'm in a giving mood, while feeling incredibly blessed, I've been thinking a lot about my truly special friends - and the amazing things they do.
That brings me to Laurie Damron.
Laurie inspires me to be a better person, just by being such a wonderful person herself. You see, Laurie is the volunteer troop coordinator extraordinaire for the "Lori Foster Bookjunky Troop Effort." At this time of year, more so than any other, I think of our troops, where they are, and the special times that they're missing right now, and I want to burst with gratitude for what they do, and why they do it.
Our on-going Troop Project adds up to a LOT of work for Laurie. I, and other authors, donate $s, books, etc... that Laurie uses to raise more money for the troops.
Then she shops. And shops and shops and shops.
And she packs. And packs and packs.
And she ships. Oodles and oodles of great stuff.
I do the easy part - I hand stuff over to Laurie. Without her, our project wouldn't be nearly so successful. Laurie IS the project - and I love her for it.
Do you have any truly special friends?
Do you know someone who deserves a big pat on the back, or a hug of gratitude for giving unselfishly to others?
Do you, like me, get very emotional at the holidays, just thinking of all your blessings, and wishing everyone could have them, too?
I do, and because I'm feeling thankful for so many incredible good friends, I figured I should introduce one of the best to the rest of you.

Please welcome a truly phenemonal person: Laurie Damron.


Have you ever been away from home and all alone for a holiday or a special event? Maybe you’re not truly alone, just not with your friends or loved ones. Our deployed servicemen and woman are in that very situation for months at a time - just one of the reasons I enjoy working with Lori Foster to bring a little joy to some of the men and women serving our wonderful country.

I know that I’ve never experienced loneliness and fear to the degree that they have, let alone the absolute terror of some, not only being away from home, but in constant danger, maybe seeing friends and comrades wounded or even killed right next to you. I think of my family, safe and sound here at home, and how we owe our every freedom and privilege to the military men and women who have served our country for several decades.

These men and women “belong” to someone – they are sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and they are away from their friends and loved ones for long stretches of time that include some of the most important holidays to us as Americans. Just think of all that they miss - births and deaths, first steps, school programs and sporting events, birthdays, anniversaries and graduations. They can’t jump in the car to visit someone, or make a late-night run for a candy bar or their favorite fast food, or make a scraped knee feel better with a kiss and a Disney character bandage – all of the little things we take for granted.

They need to know that someone at home, even a total stranger, loves and cares for them and wants them to feel appreciated.
They deserve surprises from home, goodies and snacks to sweeten their day, lotions to soothe desert and sun-ravaged skin, or a pretty candle to soften harsh surroundings.

We have been working together to send boxes to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for almost four years now, and while I don’t have an exact number, we have shipped out approximately 800 pounds. Almost half a ton! Now that is a whole heck of a lot of happiness! The cards, letters and emails I’ve received in return have made me smile, laugh and in many instances, cry.

What can you do to help? Lori Foster started talking with a handful of us early last spring about a cookbook. The plan was for a small booklet, the kind that is folded and stapled, with recipe contributions from authors and readers. This cookbook, when all was said and done, ended up being professionally (and beautifully) published by Samhain Publishing titled THE WRITE INGREDIENTS, and it is positively gorgeous! The ongoing troop project benefits from the proceeds of each and every cookbook sold. This cookbook makes an excellent gift for friends and is perfect for stocking stuffers, or hostess gifts for your holiday parties! There’s still time to get yours!
Please visit any of the following to get a copy:
http://www.samhainpublishing.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Get a copy for your friends too!! And be sure to tell them who benefits from your purchase – you should be proud to be helping such a worthwhile cause.

Do you know anyone in the service?
Let's honor him or her on her. Please share - and Happy Holidays to you.

Thanks for your support!

http://lauries-laudanum.blogspot.com/2007/12/troop-boxes-are-on-their-way.html

* Troop items available at Lori Foster's Cafepress store:
www.cafepress.com/lorifoster