Would you like the chance to win some *free* stamp products just for sending me a hand-stamped card or letter? Here's what you need to do...
As you may know, my brother Daniel (yes, we practically have the same name) is currently serving his third deployment in Afghanistan. He has been to Iraq twice and this is his first time in Afghanistan. He loves being a Marine and knows he's where he's supposed to be.
This deployment, however, has been a lot harder on him emotionally. Next month (at the end of August) is his birthday and I would love to help cheer him up.
Here's where I need your help. I would love to mail him a box full of cards and letters--birthday cards, patriotic cards, thinking of you cards, etc. I'm not talking about blank cards that my brother can fill out and mail back home. I'm talking about uplifting cards and letters written to my brother wishing him a happy birthday, thanking him for serving our country, etc.
Please mail your card or letter to:
Dannie Graves
Deadline: Saturday, August 9th so I can mail the package in time for his birthday
A chance to win: I will randomly select three cards or letters and the winners will receive some stamp products from me.
Edited to add answers to questions:
Can I use non-Stampin' Up! stamps. Absolutely! The whole purpose of the cards is to send some happiness and cheer to my brother. So please use whatever stamps you'd like.
Is it alright to send a letter instead of a card? Absolutely! I want my brother to feel appreciated and know that people back home are thinking of him. It won't matter to him if that comes in the form a letter or a card.
Will I be opening the cards or just sending the envelopes sealed to my brother? I thought about this one and I decided to open all of the cards and letters. I'm glad that I did this because some of you are tucking in little notes or cards for me too. Thank you! If you would like for your card to be in a nice envelope for my brother, some people are putting their card in a double envelope like you would for a wedding invitation. Those that don't have a double envelope, don't worry. I'll put your cards in nice envelope for him.
Why am I opening the cards? I don't feel comfortable sending items to a US military base without knowing what the contents are.
Please spread the word to your friends and have them join in too. I know this will really lift his spirits. Thank you! ~Dannie
I will be sending a card your way tomorrow. Also I have posted a link to your blog from my blog.
Posted by: Jen | July 21, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I would be honored to take part in this attempt to lift your brother's spirits. Having my own brother who I love so very much, I can completely understand what you're doing. I will get a card off to you in the next couple of days. I originally saw your note through the amstamps yahoo group. I hope you're flooded with cards filled with well wishes for your dear brother.
Posted by: Diane | July 21, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Oh what a great idea. I would love to send your brother a card!!!
Posted by: Haylie(StampinHay79) | July 21, 2008 at 04:17 PM
I would love to send your brother a card! I will make one as soon as I get home from work! :D
Posted by: Stephanie Hargis | July 22, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Do you want envelopes? I have it ready to mail and wanted to check first.
Posted by: Dixie Finn | July 22, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Dear Dannie,
It would be an honor to send your brother a card and letter. I will get it in the mail tomorrow.
Posted by: Ad | July 22, 2008 at 01:38 PM
It's the least I can do! I will mail it tomorrow.
Posted by: Laurie | July 22, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Dannie,
I'll be making a card for your brother and sending it your way for sure. I think this is such a wonderful idea.
Posted by: Tracie | July 22, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Dannie, I shared your post with my 9 year old daughter and she went to work on a card all by herself. She stamped, colored with a blender pen and made a pop up card. We sent it off in the mail tonight so you should get it in the next few days. Thanks so much for sharing this opportunity with us! Brenda
Posted by: Brenda | July 22, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Hi Dannie, You don't know me but I check your blog often. You have wonderful projects that inspire me (thank you!!). I read this post about your brother and I'm sending you a card. I blogged about it MY blog - so I hope you get lots of cards. Here's my post if you want to check it out. It even has a picture of the card I'm sending you. Enjoy! Karen
http://stampingwithkaren.blogspot.com/2008/07/for-good-cause.html
Posted by: Karen | July 23, 2008 at 06:23 PM
A card is on the way from me today. I'm still pretty new at this but I hope you (and more importantly, your brother!) like it. Lyndsay
Posted by: Lyndsay | July 24, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Hi Dannie...I would be honored to send a letter to your brother if this would be O.K. Since I am on vacation I don't have any of my supplies with me. I am a Soldier's Angel and have been supporting our military for 4 years. I also have an adopted Marine in Iraq at present. One thing I have learned is how important mail call is and I love to remember their birthdays!
Posted by: Nadine | July 25, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Dannie,
Mailed you two cards for your brother, a birthday one and thank you for serving card.
I left them open in case you wanted to check them.
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | July 25, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Dannie, what a wonderful thing to do for your brother! I just happened to have made a patriotic celebration card for my team's monthly swap in June and had made two of them. One's already got a note written to Daniel and will be on it's way in the mail to you tomorrow. I enjoy your blog!
Posted by: Cheryl Wilcox | July 25, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Dannie, I would be happy to make and send a card to you/your brother. God bless him and keep him safe while he is in Afghanistan. I'll also post a comment on my blog. May both of you be well, and safe in your upcoming journeys.
Posted by: Cherie Schmidt | July 26, 2008 at 06:59 AM
Dannie, what a wonderful idea. A very loving thing you're doing for your brother! Our prayers are with you, Daniel, and your entire family. My card is going in the mailbox tomorrow morning.
Posted by: NANCY RILEY | July 28, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Hi Dannie,
I have made a card to send, now I hope it makes it to you in time. I am touched by your love toward your brother, and know this world is a better place because of young men like him.
Belinda
Posted by: Belinda | July 29, 2008 at 04:51 AM
Card is on its way!
thanks,
Lori
Posted by: Lori Franklin | July 29, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Hey Dannie,
I am also sending your brother a card! Wow, 3rd tour.... I THANK him & the others that serve in the Military for our FREEDOM.
Posted by: Kim | July 30, 2008 at 03:00 AM
I would be honored to make and send your brother a card. (If I get a chance I will make a "thank you" card and a "birthday" card. For sure I will make him a "birthday" card.) I am so thankful that there are people like your brother that are serving our country so that we can have freedom. By the way in the Fall when I go back to work with my students I know that they would love making some cards to send to him for Christmas. Would you like me to send them directly to you or is there an address that I can mail them directly to him?
Posted by: Colleen | July 30, 2008 at 06:17 PM
My card will go out tomorrow. I think your bro is going to be bombarded with cards, but that's a good thing. : )
Janis
Posted by: JanisD | July 30, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Hi Dannie:
I stumbled across your blog a few months ago and just love it! I have not found an SU! demo in my area yet, so my card does not have any SU! stuff...hope thats ok! I can not tell you how sweet I think it is you are doing this for your brother. Our family prays for his health and safety. I have a blog and did a post about this card drive!
http://lilacsandlupines.blogspot.com/2008/08/god-bless-our-troopshappy-birthday.html
Thanks,
Karen Madden
Posted by: Karen Madden | August 02, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Dannie:
My sister and I live in Washington State and not too far from each other. We call each other almost nightly and log onto your blog, and ooh and ahh over the things we like. We love looking at all of your creative projects. We are both sending cards for your brother. Have a great time at the convention. Thank you for your inspiration.
Marcy in Yakima, WA
Posted by: Marcy | August 02, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Hi Dannie:
I stumbled upon one of your YouTube videos for the note card portfolio. I decided to try one myself. Wonderful instructions. I linked to your video on my site and gave you credit. I'll try to get some cards out...I can only imagine how hard this war must be on our service men and women.
Wendi in San Francisco, CA
Posted by: Wendi | August 03, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Aww, I can't believe I missed this! I live just over the hill from you, and my husband is in the Army. I'm always looking for ways to support the boys over there, especially in a way that is "more" than just a pack of tshirts and baby wipes ;) I'll keep your brother in my thoughts! =]
Posted by: Kyla Nicole | August 13, 2008 at 01:05 PM