By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Last year, WBFO News introduced you to a local program called "Jammies for GI's." It is an ongoing effort to send items to US troops serving overseas, especially those who are hospitalized. Now a brand new fundraiser is underway to help "Jammies for GI's."
As the war continues in Iraq, the need for personal items for US military men and women continues. "Jammies for GI's" sends all new pajamas, clothing, coats and other items to military hospitals overseas and here in the US. Cheryl Lepsch of Tonawanda says so much more is still needed. She says her program is in desperate need of funds so it can continue to buy new items for the troops.
So now they are calling on Western New Yorkers to draw a self- portrait and send it to a local artist to raise funds. Brian Nesline has already created "Faces of Buffalo." He uses self portraits and other drawings to create mosaic art work. Lepsch says now the artist will create an American flag -- called "Faces of America" to be sold for $25 to benefit "Jammies for GI's."
"Anybody that would be interested in helping -- whether it is adults or children, and it doesn't matter what it looks like -- go ahead and draw your picture," Lepsch said.
Lepsch started "Jammies for GI's" after her son, who was serving in an anti-terrorist effort in Africa, had to be treated at a military hospital in Germany for an illness. That is when she learned of the need for pajamas and clothing for injured military members. Her son is now back in Western New York. But Lepsch never anticipated that the need would continue so long due to the extent of the Iraqi war.
"It is unfortunate but every day we know that there is so much more that we need to do, and our soldiers are not coming back anytime soon," Lepsch said.
This past Sunday, Lepsch says she received an e-mail from a female solider serving in Iraq who had to write home for bed sheets.
"She didn't have sheets for the little mattress. She said they have a lot of things that they don't need at the PX, like electronics, CD's, etc. But things like writing pens are in short supply. She already had someone send her some sheets because she has a little flimsy mattress in her room with no sheets."
For those willing to send in their self portrait for "Faces of American" log on to facesforfundraising.com.