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WASHINGTON D.C. (February 10, 2008) - An organization led by a
U.S. Army officer is helping children in Iraq and Afghanistan know
the joy that Beanie Baby toys bring to so many American kids.
"Beanies for Baghdad" began in 2003 while its president, Lt.
Col. James Barker, was serving in Iraq.
"During our 'walkabouts' in the community, there were children
(with) no toys of their own," Barker said.
On one of these missions, Barker encountered Sara, a young Iraqi
girl with whom he tried to talk. She remained hesitant until Barker
remembered the small stuffed bear named Courage that his sister had
sent him. He pulled it from his pocket and presented it to the
little girl, whose reaction to the gift inspired Barker to do
more.
"When we got back from the mission that afternoon, I sent an
e-mail to a Web site for Beanie Baby enthusiasts (asking) them to
send Beanie Babies to me so that we could hand them out to Iraqi
children," Barker said. "Within the first four or five days, there
were about 2,000 Beanie Babies on their way to me for
distribution."
Barker headed home in June 2003 but left the distribution
portion of the program in good hands with Army Staff Sgt. Kirk
Wallace.
"It's a great privilege to be able to give these children and
families gifts, to see the joy on their faces and to know we have
made a true impression that Americans care," he said. "We explain
to the Iraqis that the gifts are from individual Americans for
individual Iraqis and we, as soldiers, are just being the
deliverymen."
Barker and his team understand that there's more at stake than
just a few smiles over some cute toys, however.
"You never know the future of these children," he said. "Twenty
or 30 years from now, one of these kids may be a prime minister or
a regional leader, and that child will remember the kindness and
generosity of a soldier ... who stopped and went out of their way
and gave them a toy."
Since Beanies for Baghdad started, more than 1 million huggable
comrades have reinforced Courage in his mission to brighten the
lives of children in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The program doesn't stop at stuffed animals, however. Over the
years, warm clothing, shoes, school supplies, and snacks for the
children have been added to the shipments, which also include care
packages for servicemembers.
"Many of these little ones live in extreme poverty," said Donna
Ward, who has served as program manager since January 2005. "A
Beanie Baby or a small (toy) car means the world to them. Many have
never seen a toy, and the small gesture of kindness between the
soldiers and children bring long-lasting friendships and the hopes
of a better tomorrow."
Starting with just one small stuffed animal and two soldiers,
Beanies for Baghdad is now part of a larger network of
troop-support groups affiliated with "America Supports You," a
Defense Department program. America Supports You connects citizens
and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at
home and abroad.
"We are proud to be (affiliated) with America Supports You,"
Ward said. "We hope that this (relationship) will enable us to
reach more individuals about ... how they can help our soldiers
make a difference."
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail
themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You
program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that
are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their
families. A listing of these groups and information about their
efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
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