Once agin I am asking for help from the amazing member of PBS.  So many of y'all dontated books for the soldiers that we filled up the store rooms of the USO!!!  They just recently asked for more books and I was able to give them three boxes of books that I had stored.  But there is a problem.  The USO at the Dallas-Fort Worth is short on books for the United THrough Reading Program.  There is more information below about this program, but basically it is a program where soldiers can record themselves reading a book and then send the book and the recording to their children.  My connection at the USO emailed me and said they were concerned about running out of books by the end of August.  So I thought I would once again bring the problem to the wonderful members of PBS :) 

So please PM if you are interested in donating Children's books in NEW or GIFTABLE condition for this program or if you have questions.  The books will be sent to the USO at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (Texas).  This is one of only two US airports that all service personnel fly through when returning or deploying.  There are thousands of troops going through this airport each week. 

I hope y'all will help me support the soldiers and their children by donating children's books for this program. Just remember the books need to be in NEW or GIFTABLE condition as the soldiers send the books to the child as a gift.  I know asking for donations is a lot, so I can offer some credits to off set the cost of shipping or if you have a really amazing deal.

The first link is a website where you can get more information about the program.  The second link is a list of suggested books.  On the first site there is a picture on here of a toddler kissing the television.  On the television is his mother reading a book to him.  It just about broke my heart.

Link

Link

Thanks again for taking the time to read this VERY long post and for considering my request.  Please do not hesitate to PM me if you have any questions of would like more informaiton.

This is what the USO says about the program:

The United Through Reading® Military Program has helped military families stay connected by recording deployed service members reading children’s books aloud. Once recorded, the DVD and the book is sent to the children at home. To promote a full-circle of communication, the parent or caregiver is encouraged to photograph or video the child watching the DVD and following along with the book. The photo or video is then sent back to the service member, boosting their morale and enhancing the feeling of connectedness.

Children of service members who participate in United Through Reading at USO centers receive the recording of their parent and the book that they read. All recording equipment, books and packaging materials are supplied by the USO centers.

  The list below is just suggestions and to give an idea of the types of books they are looking for.  Any children's book in the appropriate condition will be accepted and appreciated.  Here is a list of books that are popular at the DFW site:

Dr. Seuss (any title)
The Kissing Hand
Bob the Builder
Mommy Hugs
The Giving Tree
Very Hungry Caterpillar
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Good Night Moon
Dora the Explorer (any title)
Sesame Street (especially Elmo)
Curious George
Where the Wild Things Are
Dinosaur books
Thomas the Tank
Guess How Much I Love You
Ballerina Books
Disney Princesses
On the Night That You Were Born
The Little Engine Who Could
I Will Love You Forever
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Captain Underpants
Scooby-Doo
Amelia Bedelia
Super Hero Books
Sport books
The Chronicles of Narnia
Junie B. Jones

Thanks for doing this again!!

I sent a couple of boxes of books for the soldiers when you were asking for them and I'd love to help again. Only problem is I don't have any children's books on my shelf. So I'm going to give you 3 credits so you can order some from members who have what you're looking for. Hopefully with those 3 credits some one will give you great deals and you can get several books with them.

This is a wonderful way for children to stay connected with their parents who are deployed. I pray all our service men and women will be home soon.

Shirley

What a great program!  I just sent you a PM :)

Wish I would have read your request before I went to garage sales today.  There were so many children's books for 10 cents and a quarter in excellent shape. How long will you be doing this?  Phyllis

jlaustin,

Sound like a great program and I would be happy to help.  I have many kids books in like new shape. I'll make you a wonderful deal just let me know how you'd like me to proceed.   I'll go pull some of the like new one's and pm you. Jeannie

Dear J.L. A, My husband is retired Air Force. We didn't have a program like this in place when my husband was running around the world. But we did it on our own. My two older children watched Daddy reading that book a zillion times. It was of immeasurable help. I will be gifting you some credits since I don't have any of the right type. Dolly

Keep those books coming!!

Bump!

Hi!

I would like to help. I have tons of children's books on my bookshelf - basicallly, all of my books are in like new condition. Would you like to look at my bookshelf and tell me what books look good - or would you like me to just put together a box of really nice books that seem like they would work perfectlly for the program?

Let me know :)

Pam

Still looking for books....really need picture books for the younger children!!!

I have two children's Bibles  My First Bible  and  The Beginner's Bible.  Do you have any use for them?  Getting another box ready to send.  Phyllis.

I didn't have any books that would be appropriate for this so I just buddied you some credits.  This is a great cause - thanks so much!!