Welcome to KeystoneSoldiers.com
Monday, May 20 2013 @ 03:13 PM MST
Who We Are
Mission Statement:
To provide caring support for deployed military members in all branches of service to our country no matter where they are stationed in the world. This is accomplished through letters, cards, care packages, and special holiday packages to raise their spirits and show them America has not forgotten them.
We are not about the politics, or the war...we are about taking care of our families, friends, and neighbors who are far from home. Everyone today knows someone who is deployed, was deployed or will be deployed. Our troops give us the freedom to be safe in our homes and they should be able to do their duty with at least some of the small comforts of home we enjoy every day.
Overview:
It is very easy to say we support our troops, it is another thing entirely to show you support them.
In early 2002 I found out my son's unit of the PAANG was going to be deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was a scary time, soon after 9/11 and all of the family members involved were concerned about their safety. I started a small website where freinds and family could keep in touch with their loved ones overseas and our soldiers could see that we were taking care of things at home. Soon other units from PA started asking if they could use the website too. By the time troops stared moving into Iraq in March of 2003 we were getting requests from lots of military families to join us and asking for some basic essential items to be shipped to our troops. There were no PXs or stores to buy things we have come to take for granted like toilet tissue, hand sanitizer and decent snacks. As the need grew our mission was expanded to find a way to get these items to those in need.
To date Keystone Soldiers has helped thousands of troops in service to our country, not just in Iraq and Afghanistan, but all over the world and yes, even in the USA. All our requests come directly from the troops, their families or someone who knows a soldier not receiving mail from home. We have provided love, support and encouragement to anyone who is in need. We do our best to make sure every soldier, sailor, marine and airman knows they are respected by many people back home. No request is ever turned away and while we may not always be able to send them video game systems, microwaves or coffee machines we still can usually meet their most pressing needs for basic comfort items and words of support from home.
We are a 100% volunteer non profit organization that ships every week as long as we have money for postage. We try to ship at least 50 boxes every week. At any given time we have between 1,200 and 6,000 names on our list waiting for packages to arrive. All our packages are custom made depending on the needs and requests of the troops, their area of deployment and items we have available. Every package also contains letters & cards from supporters, pictures drawn by school children and notes of encouragement. While we specialize in troops from PA our packages go to military members from every state and we have even sent assistance to units from England and Australia.
Through our organization and website you can show your support for our U.S. troops by becoming a volunteer, holding a fundraiser, collecting items on our list for packages, writing letters and cards to our troops or sponsoring a care package (or several!). You may also make a donation to help with postage or you can sponsor a special care package to one of our troops. There are opportunities available for anyone interested in helping no matter if you have a lot of money or very little. Just pick up the phone and call us or send an email with Volunteer in the subject line.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 @ 07:02 PM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
Our website will be forwarded to our Facebook page no later than June 1st. We are updating our software for added security and features. The unfortunate side to the change is that everyone will have to re-register on the new site. With all the latest changes in the software and the added security our older database will not be able to transfer. The upside will be the extra features. You will be able to login on the new site with your FB account or Twitter account. There will be personal photo albums and calendars, public & private message boards, public & private chat rooms and private groups. This will allow FRG leaders or deployed units to share info with selected members of their group without having anything posted for the public. This helps retain OPSEC regulations for the safety and privacy of the troops and their families &friends. There will be lots more to do and we hope to have some of our members contribute articles and personal experiences with our readers.
If anyone is interested in being a regular (weekly or monthly) writer for the site please send us an email so we can get you started.
We are beginning a new program Saturday June 1st. Every Saturday that we are in the warehouse anyone will be able to come in and pack a special care package for one of the troops on our list. We request a $15.00 donation to cover the cost of shipping. You will learn the best way to pack what is needed in the region the troop is deployed, how to make sure nothing gets ruined on the way and have it arrive without the cookies tasting like the soap. You will also have the opportunity to write a special letter or card to include in the package. Letting our troops know we are still here supporting them is very important and they can't possibly hear our thanks enough. Please email us to schedule your date to pack your own personalized care package.
We are limited to 12 spaces per Saturday so don't delay! We are considering adding Thursday to the schedule once school is out since we have had so many requests from parents who would like to have their children learn about supporting the troops.
So there you have it. Lots going on at Keystone Soldiers. Any and all volunteers are welcome no matter if you can only spend 1 hour or stay for the whole day.
Thanks for your continued support for our troops and for Keystone Soldiers!
Tuesday, February 12 2013 @ 09:18 PM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
***Don't forget....We will be at the
Berkshire Mall Bon-Ton store on Wednesday 2/13 from 10am to 2pm with our
Have a Heart for a Hero campaign. Stop by and purchase your coupon book for just $5.00. The event is scheduled for March 1st & 2nd and the coupons are worth over $400. All proceeds are used to ship care packages to our troops, assist military families in crisis and aide our veterans who could use a helping hand. Come on over and sign a Valentine, pick up your coupon books or just make a donation! Your support means the world to our troops and our volunteers!
Even though the draw-down is beginning it will take 2 full years for the mission in Afghanistan to end or be changed to a peace keeping mission. Every penny of your donations is needed to keep up the spirits of those working so hard so far from home. Care packages and letters are not only important for their health and well being but for their spirits too. Please keep our troops in mind....until every single one is home with their loving families.
Thanks for your continued support!
Saturday, February 02 2013 @ 06:12 AM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
****As much as we hate to have to close today (2/2/13) the temp is 14 degrees so we are forced to keep the doors shut. We cannot plan on being open unless the temperature gets to 32 or higher. We hope to be open on Wed & Thurs this coming week to make up for some lost time. ****
In the meantime you are welcome to work on your Hearts for our Heros until you can drop them off at the warehouse or our selling time in Bon Ton on Wed 2/13/13 from 10am to 2pm. If you would like to make a donation for shipping the links are on the right hand side of the page near the top for Paypal or our downloadable Word document. You can also donate by purchasing your Bon Ton coupon books via the link at the top of the home page. All donations from this promotion go directly to our organization.
Thanks for your continued support!
Tuesday, January 22 2013 @ 02:24 PM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
***Attention all volunteers*** Considering the current weather reports and the temp today of 16 at my house we are going to have to remain closed until next Wed at the earliest. Since there is no real heat in the warehouse we cannot possibly work in temps below 15 degrees tomorrow. There is also a snow storm arriving on Fri so I am not counting on the roads being great for travel on Sat. Temps are predicted to warm up to near 40 early next week so I hope we can open on Wed at 10am.
I am working on some things from home and if anyone has a donation to drop off I will gladly schedule a special appointment for you. Call our office phone and leave a voicemail and I will get back to you as quickly as possible.
As soon as the weather breaks a little and we can tolerate the temps we have plenty of work to do. We have to get our area condensed down as much as possible so we do not cost our generous donor of space any extra money. We also have lots of packages to get shipped. Requests for hot foods, hand and foot warmers and blankets are still coming in daily.
Bon Ton coupon books are available online or from any Keystone Soldiers volunteer. Each book is $5.00 and all proceeds go directly to care packages for the troops and emergency food for local military families. Every 3 books sold covers the cost of shipping a package to the troops and every 10 books covers the cost of several bags of food or fuel for a military family struggling in this tough economy. We hope you will open your heart and your wallet to support those who protect us every day. Click here to order online. We get full $5.00 credit if you order through this link and shipping is free.
http://bit.ly/TcMAkm
Thanks for your continued support!
~Lordzmom
Tuesday, December 18 2012 @ 08:56 PM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
***Volunteer and Donor Appreciation party***
Wednesday 12/18 from 10am to 1pm at our Leesport warehouse! I want to say thanks the only way you people let me.....with food! Coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and pastries. It is only a small token of the appreciation I feel for all of you. Whether you spent an hour or a hundred hours helping, or donated $5.00 or $500.00 I am truly thankful for each and every one of you!
To all the troops who cannot be with loved ones this Christmas: I hope we have been able to show you that the people at home have not forgotten you. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. It is our Christmas wish that you all be home soon with your family and friends that are counting the days.
**
We will close at 1pm on Wednesday and reopen on January 9th, 2013 at 10am.** This is recovery time for the core volunteers who have worked so many extra hours the last 3 months getting everything ready to make the Christmas holiday brighter for our troops. I hope each and every one of you enjoys a blessed holiday season and some time with your family and friends. You have been a blessing throughout the year and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
Friday, December 07 2012 @ 05:27 AM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
Keystone Soldiers will be at the Leesport warehouse Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sat this week. Doors will open at 9 am and we will work until at least 2 pm. Time is getting short to get the packages in the mail and we have received several thousand pounds of donations to be sorted and prepped for packing in the Christmas stockings. Anyone who wants to help and can spare a couple hours we sure could use the
extra hands. If you can't stand/lift/pack we can still use help to screen the over 3500 cards we received today! There is plenty of work for everyone who wants to join in the fun and community spirit AND help our troops have a merry Christmas.
The address is 130 Redners Way, Leesport, PA 19533. We share the building with Crossroads Church, TK's Toy Box & O'Brien Moving & Storage. There is plenty of parking. It is a warehouse so please dress accordingly. If it is cold outside it will be chilly inside. Also be sure to wear closed toe shoes like sneakers or boots. If we work 5 hours or more we will have pizza or sandwiches for lunch. You are welcome to pack lunch if you prefer. We will have coffee, soda, water and Gatorade available all day.
You do not have to stay the entire time. If you can only get there at noon that is fine. If you have to leave to pick up kids or have other appointments it is not a problem. Even an hour or two is a huge help and will be appreciated. **Thank you Brad for stopping by to help on Thurs 12/6! We hope to see some of the Reading Derby Girls there soon! ***
If you cannot come help please share this post with your friends. They are welcome too! Any questions of for directions please email keystonemilitary@yahoo.com or call 610-698-2122.
Saturday, November 17 2012 @ 07:05 AM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
Welcome to all our new followers! We are thrilled to have you checking in and following the progress of the
Christmas Stockings for Soldiers.
I know many of you are military wives, moms and other family members. Thank you for your service as well as the service of your loved ones.
If we do not have the mailing address for your soldier, sailor, marine or airman please email us so we can get their
holiday surprises in the mail! You can also send a Facebook message if you like.
Shipping starts this coming week and we really could use some extra volunteers.
Mon & Tues we will be working 9 am to 2 pm and Wed we are 9 am to 1 pm. We will resume on Saturday (no, I am not leaving the house Black Friday!) at 9 am and work till 2 or 3 pm. We need people to sort, check expiration dates, put items in ziplocs, stuff stockings and box for shipping! We could also use a couple people to screen some of the 20,000+ cards & letters we have to add to the stockings and to bundle blank cards for shipping to the troops. After all they do not have a mall handy to go get cards!
Thanks for your help & support!
~Lordzmom
Wednesday, November 14 2012 @ 09:09 AM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
Very cool event coming up at Bern Reformed UCC Church in Bernville, PA and proceeds benefit Keystone Soldiers! .
Here is information for the Live Nativity/Soldier Collection:
Manger Scene including a merchant "store" to collect donations for Care packages and Christmas stockings
Petting zoo (weather permitting)
Light refreshments in our Bethlehem atmosphere
Details:
Friday, Dec. 7 from 7-9 PM
Bern Reformed UCC Church
Rt. 183 South
(Bottom of hill at new traffic light)
Keystone soldier items for collection:
- *Beef jerky & slim jims,
- *Holiday hard candy & small chocolates (like the individual hershey bars, kit kats, etc...),
- *Socks (white, black or green cotton or wool)
- *Individual sized packs of oatmeal, cereal or cream of wheat,
- *Hot drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, hot cider, cappuccino, etc....
- *Cash donations are also welcome.
We would enjoy having you join us for this unique event. No RSVP is needed just show up and enjoy the fun and fellowship.
Monday, September 17 2012 @ 04:08 PM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
Sept 7th kicks off our 10th Annual Christmas Stockings for Soldiers campaign. Our goal this year is to get 10,000 stockings in the hands of our troops serving all over the world. Each stocking costs about $6.00 just for shipping and if you do the math we will need to raise $60K just for mailing. We can't do that without your help. We think we have come up with an exciting concept to make your holiday shopping easier AND support our troops at the same time.
We are hosting a
Something for Everyone fundraiser on Facebook. We will have links for some of your favorite home party companies posted here and on FB. Some of the sellers are creating events on FB to help you find their websites and ask questions. We have such a HUGE need this year for shipping funds and these wonderful vendors have offered to help us reach our goal. Just check our FB page at
facebook.com/KeystoneSoldiers and find the fundraiser that fits you best. I am willing to bet you can find several. If I missed inviting anyone PLEASE just go to the event and join or send me a message and I will invite you! After you join please invite your friends too!!
Some of the vendors already lined up are
Mary Kay, Scentsy, Grace Adele, Tastefully Simple, Velata, Pampered Chef and a couple more should be listed by the weekend. All proceeds from these events will be used for shipping. All gift items we receive from the events will either go in the stockings (if appropriate) or will be raffled off to raise more shipping money.
Yes folks there are still over 100K troops serving our country in foreign lands. It is our mission to bring them some joy and love from home this holiday season! Start you holiday shopping early by getting at least some of your gifts during this event. Please help us show those serving our country that they are not forgotten.
Care packages and Christmas stockings are more important this year than ever. Make a purchase from one of our fundraiser vendors or just make a donation.
Let's show them all that we still care about our troops!
Thanks for your continued support!
Vendors for Something for Everyone:
There are a couple more that have not sent me links yet but they will be listed as soon as I have the info!
Thursday, August 16 2012 @ 06:30 PM MST
Contributed by: Keystone
A decade-long partnership between Soldiers' Angels and Keystone Soldiers is about to become even closer, with Keystone Soldiers set to become an official packing location for Soldiers' Angels.
Soldiers' Angels founder Patti Patton-Bader and Keystone Soldiers founder Kyle Lord both started supporting the troops in 2002. As military mothers on opposite coasts (Kyle in Pennsylvania and Patti in California at the time), they spent hours on the phone when neither could sleep--they would brainstorm, share tips and encourage each other as they worked to inspire others to support the troops.
Sharing a common vision for troop support, Soldiers' Angels and Keystone would help out over the years with needs the other organization couldn't fill. "We looked out for each other and helped each other along," Kyle says. "Patti and I don't care who gets credit for it. It's more about the troops and getting what they need than anything else."
Now Soldiers' Angels and Keystone will be working even more closely together. As Soldiers' Angels starts to shift to a stronger emphasis on helping veterans, Keystone is finding that donations for deployed troops continue to flow in while struggling with postage to ship those items. In a move that helps both organizations with their missions and ultimately helps the troops, Soldiers' Angels and Keystone will be working together to fill care package requests. Located close to the APO (East Coast) depot, Keystone can ship to military APO addresses for about half the cost of those further away. The organization recently moved out of their office building location and into donated warehouse space to smooth care package assembly and shipping processes. They will also have access to a loading dock for deliveries of larger quantities of donated items.
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