Operation Iraqi Children

Regardless of your position on Iraq, and your attitude towards political leaders, the fact of the matter is America is involved. If these efforts and sacrifices are to have a positive long-term impact we must do what we do best as Americans, help the less fortunate.

On March 15th I saw an interview on the Today Show with actor Gary Sinise. He was announcing the launch of Operation Iraqi Children. The program's goal is very simple and straightforward, collect school supplies to fill the schools that are being built and reopened every day in Iraq.

I encourage you to go the web site and read about the work being done. It is inspiring, and you will see that this is a completely non-partisan effort.

As the organizers of the U.S. National Championship, we felt the timing and opportunity were right to add this charitable aspect to the event. This is an inexpensive and easy gesture on the part of J/24 sailors everywhere to make an impact off the racecourse.

We will be accepting donations of school supplies throughout the event. If you are interested use the list below for ideas.

· Notebooks · Notebook paper · Pencils & Erasers · Color Pencils · Pens · Crayons · Drawing paper · Computer Paper · Folders · Rulers · Whiteboards · Whiteboard pens/erasers · Metric Sticks · Compass · Protractor · Teacher Grade Books · Soccer Balls · Stuffed animals · Old clothes · Backpacks
Be Creative!

Thank you for listening,
David Malkin
Regatta Chairperson

Emails from Gary Sinise & Laura Hillenbrand (author of Seabiscut)

Dear David,

Thank you for your interest in supporting Operation Iraqi Children. I believe that this program can do wonderful things to support our troops and help build bridges between our country and Iraq. The children of America helping our soldiers help the children of Iraq. It is a way to not feel so helpless with the continuous barrage of negative news. There are positive things happening there we never hear about. Look at the faces of the children on the website. They have very little but they have hope for a brighter future.

We have to be successful there. For our country, for the Iraqis and for the world. If we all pitch in we can complete this part of the mission.

Thank you,

Gary Sinise

Dear David,

You are absolutely wonderful to promote OIC through your regatta. We can't thank you enough. The site (Operation Iraqi Children) is indeed very current--it is updated every day or two. Next week we will be announcing a major change in shipping arrangements that will enable people to simply take donated packages to their local Veterans of Foreign Wars office. Federal Express will take the packages for free from there. This will enable donors to ship packages for free, and avoid going to the post office. The details are not yet set, but will be posted on the website next week, as soon as we know them.

If you have any questions before the regatta, please feel free to email me. Thank you so much!

Laura Hillenbrand