Mailing magazines to Iraq

Aug. 14, 2005

DAWN DE BUSK\Frontiersman reporter

BIG LAKE -- A year after sending bread-making machines overseas, the Big Lake Lions members baked up another idea for cheering up Americans serving in Iraq.

"We had brainstormed what to do for our service guys and gals, and we came up with sending them magazines. It's something really simple," Big Lake Lions Club President Barbara Moroney said.

Last month, the Big Lake Lions loaded up several boxes with pre-paid phone cards and magazines and interspersed brief letters hand-signed by each member.

"We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being away from your loved ones to help keep our country safe," the letters said.

The correspondence continued, saying everyone hoped the recipients of the packages would have a little free time to actually kick back and read the magazines.

Moroney said the Lions don't need any help with magazine donations since the members can round up enough easily.

The group plans to send reading material to the troops every couple of months, Moroney said.

The National Guard assisted with the project.

"I have a connection with the Guard because one of the head guys is an member of the Finger Lake Elks Lodge," Moroney said.

Last year, the Big Lake Lions heard through the grapevine that the men and women fighting in Iraq missed homemade bread.

Fellow lions mailed bread makers and packages of bread mixes to those serving in Iraq.

That Lions-sponsored project continues, with packages of bread mixes being sent on a regular basis, Moroney said.

"They had peanut butter and jelly, but no bread," she said. "It's funny, but so human."

Dawn De Busk can be reached at 352-2252 or frontiersman.com.