The Freedom Pen Project is growing leaps and bounds. The recent media coverage both from within the US and overseas, along with the public support of companies like DuPont, Woodcraft, Berea Hardwoods, Craft Supplies USA, Penn State Industries, Packard Woodworks, and others are generating more and more interest on a daily basis. You only need to see Keith’s and my e-mail in-boxes which makes it very apparent. It is obvious to me that we will meet or exceed this year’s goal of 20,000 pens shipped to the troops.
The number of members (>2300) and guests (an untold number) who use Saw Mill Creek that are supporting the project is disappointing to me. As an example, Julie Wright made a plea last week suggesting everyone to contribute a mere $5.00 via pay pal or check to the project. This resulted in a mere 14 people responding with a total of only $238.52. Considering we can get a pen in the hands of a troop for $2.00 that equates to 119 pens. That’s not much to dent the 20,000 pen goal.
On the flip side we have a number of members and non-members alike who are working diligently to meet that goal. With the number of turners who are turning pens presently, along with others coming on-board everyday, the manpower necessary to meet our goal is not of concern to me.
I would like to see more folks supporting this project with both monetary and active participation. There are lots of things that you can do to help.The key to success of this project, like so many other worthwhile causes, comes down to money. If we can make the necessary 16,500 kits left to meet the goal available free to the turners involved, meeting the goal is inevitable. All it takes is for all of us to get actively involved – not just sit on the sidelines and applaud what is being done by those who are actively involved.
- <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Make your friends, neighbors, business associates, etc aware of the project. <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Contact your local clubs, civic organizations, churches, etc and solicit their support. <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Write your congressmen and local politicians and urge them to support us. <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Make a donation yourself. <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Get your local schools to help. <LI class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in">Contact local businesses that you patronize
Regardless of your political views of the current war on terrorism you should set them aside and remember because our young men and women in the military and who are presently in harms way need you. “You are safe at home because they are not”.
My personal thanks go out to all the people who have come forth to help the cause to this point. We have 100’s of turners working towards the goal and some folks who have reached down and contributed to the fund.
As a veteran of the Korean War I know how important this effort is and the boost in morale it gives to those who have received and will receive Freedom Pens.
GET INVOLVED ! !
