Philadelphia Inquirer: From Ardmore to Afghanistan, a mission of giving:
The goodwill gesture is called Operation Angel Wings, and it's the brainchild of an Ardmore shopkeeper and a Broomall trauma surgeon stationed in Afghanistan, Lt. Col. Kenneth Marx."Someday those kids will grow up to place their finger on a trigger," Marx said in an e-mail. "The moment when the target in their sights resembles the guys who once gave them a winter cap is that moment when reconciliation might hold violence at bay.
"Life in the mountains here is nasty, brutish, and utterly strange. Soft power and indirect means may be the winding path to an improvised solution, if there is a solution to be found."
Writing from Nangarhar province, where he is deployed with the National Guard's 108th Cavalry, Marx said the immediate aim was to get Americans and Afghans talking.
"We have asked for folks at home to send small gifts of winter clothing, which are excellent conversation-starters," he said.
When he arrived in Afghanistan on Oct. 12, Marx said, he saw a need for children's hats, gloves, sweaters, socks, scarves, fleece jackets, and small, lightweight toys that could go with soldiers on patrol.
On Nov. 9, Marx received an e-mail from Sherry Tillman, 6,824 miles away in Ardmore, inviting him to the holiday sale at her gift and art-gallery store. He wrote back, saying he couldn't attend and asking if she could send warm clothes for the Afghan children.
"He wrote me that the kids are barefoot and in rags, and it's winter," Tillman said. She said she recalled thinking, "Oh, my God, I have to do something."
Sponsored by First Friday Main Line, a nonprofit organization that promotes the Lancaster Avenue shopping district, Operation Angel Wings began immediately.
Tillman, director of First Friday Main Line, said she was determined to collect everything on Marx's wish list. The gifts will be stored at her shop, Past*Present*Future, and the Ardmore Initiative office, both on Lancaster Avenue.
Tillman has set Friday as the shipping date for the first donations.
"I'd like to be able to send several packages right away, and to be able to continue sending," Tillman said.
A couple of weeks ago, Carla J. Zambelli, publicist for First Friday Main Line, sent out an e-mail blast asking residents for donations. The donations have started trickling in, Tillman said.
Visit First Friday Main Line for more information.
Thank you Philly Future!
Karl,
Thanks so much for helping First Friday Main Line's and Sherry Tillman's efforts! 8 cartons were shipped yesterday alone and many,many more to go! Everyone in Ardmore is excited to be part of this effort and we appreciate our old friends on the blogosphere for helping to spread the good word.
People should know that they must drop off the items - there is no pick up available because there just aren't enough bodies. And if people want to donate money to help defray the cost of shipping instead of toys, that is appreciated too! The website is www.firstfridaymainline.com
www.SaveArdmoreCoalition.ORG
"Working together for Lower Merion's future!"
A pleasure
Hi, its been a pleasure. I hope that it helps send some more folk wanting to help your way.
Thanks Karl for this
Thanks Karl for this article.Many of us don't caring about such things, but it needs to be noticed this kind of good works by the people.Here anyone have to feel a good reading experience.Expecting more informative writing service from you.