It’s Spreading! 

But it’s not the germs of a contagious virus, spring floodwaters or invasive weeds.  It’s a spirit of good will and gratitude shown by area citizens to US troops serving in the Middle East. 

Books For Soldiers (BFS) is a soldier support organization, working in cooperation with the Department of Defense, to send letters of support, books, CDs, DVDs and supplies to deployed troops via a large volunteer network.

The Friends of the Franklin Public Library were the first to nurture the Books For Soldiers – Franklin Program with a donation of seed money and used reading materials.  Karen Grochowski, a Friends’ member and local Books for Soldiers volunteer is coordinating a network of troop supporters in the Franklin area.   They have been putting together care packages in response to requests posted by service members on the BFS internet message board, with special attention going to soldiers with Wisconsin roots.

The Franklin Public Library Friendly Quilters are busy making “Cool Ties” to help soldiers beat the heat.  Another group of talented women have been handcrafting cards that soldiers can use to say in touch with family/friends. 

And then there’s the Pillowcase Brigade, the sewers and the sellers, that are raising money to ship the care packages.  The women in the Friends of Franklin Public Library Works of Heart Quilt Group sew pillowcases from donated scrap fabric. Another group of volunteers sell the pillowcases to other caring citizens who purchase them in honor of men and women serving in the military. Sometimes the pillowcase is included in a care package to the soldier. We hope that when these soldiers lay their head down, the pillowcase will be a daily “homey” reminder that we have them in our thoughts and prayers for a safe return.

Space limitations prevent us from reprinting the thanks that soldiers have already sent in response to everyone’s generosity, but know that they are very appreciative.  It is obvious from their e-mails and letters that this effort not only needs to continue, but to grow.

Individuals, groups and businesses can all take part.  A detailed list of items that are useful to soldiers can be picked up at the library where pillowcases are also for sale to help defray the cost of mailing the care packages.

At this time we are especially in need of:

Letters of support - If you feel comfortable share a little story about your everyday life.  What soldiers crave most is a sense of “normalcy”! (“While I was stuck in a traffic jam today I noticed…)

DVDs and CDs – Used ones are fine!

Envelopes and card stock - to create handcrafted cards for soldiers to send to family/friends

Snack Items (individual serving size, no chocolate or products containing pork)

A collection barrel for these items is located in the Franklin Public Library lobby.

For more information contact Karen Grochowski at  bdgrbudyfanklin@sbcglobal.net

You can go to the Books for Soldiers Website by clicking on the following link: