Supporting the Troops, ClassB style
Bob Williams a.k.a. 'Uncle Bob'
The early birds arrived at Bob’s warehouse and listened to stories in his office. He told us of his experience as a sailor, how he started these successful efforts, and the luxuries of being in America.
It was an eye-opener to ponder on what my day-to-day life would be like without access to hot water or toiletries. It made me realize that my everyday conveniences were luxuries the troops yearned for while overseas. Bob, who I view as a noble man with these everyday acts of selflessness, makes a world of difference in these troops lives.
When everyone from ClassB arrived, Bob gave us the grand tour of his entire warehouse (which is a lot bigger than it appears). Bob receives donations from everywhere. He has coffee, flossers, toothbrushes, pens, paper, cookies, DVDs, candy, cigars, and even Wii consoles!
Some donated snacks
See the Wii?
Cigar Humidors
On the tour
Bob also told us that he doesn’t just send things that are donated. He makes an honest effort to get troops items they specifically ask for or what he feels they need. He has sent spotlights, flashlights, knives, and even red dot scopes. It seemed weird to me at first, but then I realized that these items were practical.
Bob told us the gifts have more of an impact than any of us know. He related a story about how a Beanie Baby saved Marines from certain death. They were trying to pass over a bridge, but there was a little girl playing in the middle with a Beanie Baby. They got out to talk to her and get her out of the way, only to realize that she was playing near a land mine. She saved their lives.
Another story Bob told us was more on the humorous side. Bob has a lot of cigar humidors in his warehouse. He sends them to the troops to give as gifts to leaders. Bob received a letter asking him to be careful about sending them; apparently, an Iraqi leader was so impressed with this gift, that he tried to give his daughter away in return. Again, the things Bob sends have more of an impact that any of us know, including Bob.
Gregg, leader of the bagger people
The cart we used to tote care bags
Sisco making boxes for the care bags
The finished boxes, ready to be shipped
After the tour, we began to make the care packages. We divided ourselves up into three groups: baggers, runners, and boxers.
Baggers, using the assembly line method, filled 1-gallon Ziploc bags with candy, tooth brushes, thank you cards, and other various items on the table. Runners went back and forth between the tables taking empty boxes to be recycled and replacing the box with either the same item, or a similar one from storage on the second floor. Boxers took the cart full of finished bags and boxed them. We fit about 25 bags into each box.
Two other groups came in to help out, which made everything a lot quicker. All-in-all, I would have to say that ClassB successfully filled 50+ boxes. That’s at least 1,250 bags, and at least 1,250 troops lives we made a difference in.
One of many 'thank you' notes Bob has. Thank you Uncle Bob!
Stickers livened up the boxes with patriotic statements
Look how fast Eddie is moving to get things done!
We made sure these bags were packed with love!
We want to thank Bob Williams for including ClassB in his efforts. While he will never turn down a helping hand for donations to the troops, what Bob really needs is help with postage. Donate to his cause here. Thank you for supporting the troops!