Clubs collect blankets for soldiers

"Clubs collect blankets for soldiers Contra Costa Times Article Launched: 11/10/2007 03:02:48 AM PST VETERANS DAY IS Monday, and I wanted to let the community know about the efforts of some Alamo folks who are helping to make a difference in the lives of our soldiers so far away from home. I contacted Alamo resident Lori Primasing after hearing about 'A Touch of Warmth from Home' blanket drive. Primasing is Round Hill Country Club's Juniors' Committee chairwoman, and she said the effort is being made along with the Blue Star Moms to fulfill a request for blankets for injured troops. As with many people I interview for my column, Primasing wanted me to make sure the focus was on our troops. I assured her it would be, although I need to let the readers know how things come to be. In 2006, Primasing encountered a family friend whose daughter had decided on a career in the military. Primasing wanted to know how friends of the family could help the young woman feel 'loved during the holidays, such as care packages.' It turned out that the woman's start in Iraq wouldn't come for another year, but as Primasing told me, 'the seed was planted.'
Primasing was given the name and Web site of the Blue Star Moms and got in touch with Judy Ewings, who was in charge of care packages and so it was begun, folks helping folks.
This year, Round Hill Country Club and St. Isadore School have joined with the Round Hill Juniors' Committee -- Janine Stailey, Caryl Peterson, Glenda Sonu, Lori Waidelich, Julie Lowe, Heather Ridgeway, Stacy McKelvy and Primasing along with a "team" of Barbie Ross, Lori Waidelich, Alysse Rueckert and Kathy Oertli, and again Primasing from St. Isadore.
"We collected change at the school, collected leftover Halloween candy for the care packages and our newest endeavor, selling and sponsoring blankets for our troops overseas," said Primasing. "We were told that they are often cold in the field, and worse yet, cold when they are airlifted out when injured."
To help keep the troops warm, folks can sponsor as many blankets as they wish or purchase blankets for their own use or to give as gifts, which is perfect since the holidays are not far off.
The "Special Edition Blankets" cost $15 each and all proceeds will go to Blue Star Moms and any costs associated with mailing the blankets overseas.
Primasing told me that they worked with Bob Michel at Proforma to come up with a fleece blanket that would appeal to those wanting one for home or those wanting to "sponsor" one to go overseas.
"The result was beautiful! Our special edition, navy fleece blankets are embroidered with an American flag and the words, 'Our American Hero' in the corner," said Primasing. She was happy to tell me that they currently have contributions for more than 650 blankets, and I'm confident that will change after folks read my column.
For more information, contact Primasing at 925-820-4231. The Blue Star Moms Web site is http://www.bluestarmoms.org/."

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