California Knitting Shop Wrapping Up Help for USA Cares

Operation Lap Wrap Hopes for Contributions from Customers



Photo credit: Warren Eig
Edith Eig, owner of La Knitterie Parisienne in Studio City, Calif., is helping USA Cares by contributing to Operation Lap Wrap.


RADCLIFF, KY - A yarn and knitting business in southern California has stepped up to make volunteer contributions to the USA Cares Operation Lap Wrap program by both donating blankets and offering discounts to customers.

“In addition to making a fashion statement, knitting is also both therapeutic and social; so when I first learned of the compassionate lap wrap program, I seized the opportunity to invite my customers to participate and turn their passion for knitting towards this very good cause,” said Edith Eig, owner of La Knitterie Parisienne in Studio City, Calif. “My heart goes out to our brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line, and I wanted to reach out and help make a difference. As a collective group, we’re weaving hope into every stitch of these hand-knit blankets and wish the very best for these individuals as they strive to rebuild their lives.”

Kim Moorman, USA Cares Director of Business Development, said a box of lap wraps has already arrived from Eig. Short notes of encouragement and thanks to the troops were enclosed with the blankets.

“They are awesome! I really love the notes and the one from Troop 408 that had a bunch of little notes from the girls on them. That will definitely touch a lot of hearts as they see and receive them,” Moorman said.

Eig decided to offer a 15 percent discount on yarn sales to any customers who want to create lap wraps for the troops.

“The outpouring of support has been incredible. Together, my clients and I have sent Operation Lap Wrap a huge box of blankets, and there is a new batch in the process of being made with more and more people expressing interest everyday. This is an ongoing effort that we will support until our troops finally come home for good,” Eig said.

Cheryl Bruce, Volunteer Coordinator for USA Cares, said the lap wraps will be a huge help. “Our service members are hospitalized for various lengths of time. Lap Wraps provide warmth for a visitor in a hospital room and coverage of missing limbs when confined to a wheelchair,” she said.

“La Knitterie Parisienne is proud to be a part of USA Cares Operation Lap and honored for the recognition. We are featuring Operation Lap Wrap on our web site at www.LaKnitterieParisienne.com and are encouraging anyone who’d like participate to get involved. I’ve identified some wonderful yarns to craft these lap wraps and welcome everyone to join us. Customers can visit us at our store located at 12642 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, Calif., or call us at 818-766-1515 and let us know they’d like to knit a lap wrap blanket,” Eig said.

About La Knitterie Parisienne

Owned by entrepreneur Edith Eig and located in Studio City, CA, La Knitterie Parisienne is one of the world’s most successful and recognizable knitting yarn stores, carrying an unprecedented selection of premium yarns, knitting books, buttons and knitting accessories. The shop specializes in teaching the art of knitting for free with the purchase of yarn from the shop and hosts many interactive events for their clients including the popular “Sip and Knit” social gathering during the shop’s late night on Wednesdays. Eig hails from Paris, France, where she learned to knit at the age of five. She’s combined her Parisian sensibilities with her incredible flair for fashion and design to become an icon in the knitting industry and an authority appearing in such news outlets as TODAY on NBC, CNN and Entertainment Tonight, Time magazine, Newsweek magazine, Los Angeles Times and the New York Times. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, “Mother or Purl: Friends, Fun and Fabulous Designs at Hollywood’s Knitting Circle” (HarperCollins) and is a philanthropist incorporating knitting into a wide array of worthy organizations. La Knitterie Parisienne is located at 12642 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604. For more information, call 818-766-1515; for yarn purchases only call 1-800-2-BUY-YARN or visit www.LaKnitterieParisienne.com.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Contact for USA Cares:
Jess Bratcher
USA Cares, Inc.
Public Affairs Assistant
(270) 352-5451 x106
jbratcher@usacares.org
http://www.usacares.org

Contact for La Knitterie Parisienne and Edith Eig interviews:
Audrey Eig
818.622.2962 - o
818.535.4859 - c
818.622.0407 - f
audrey.eig@nbcuni.com

USA Cares grants more than $60,000 to Massachusetts military families

More than 100 families in financial need helped, seven homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $60,000 over five years to service members living in Massachusetts. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved seven Massachusetts military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 103 families have received grants. In 2007, 53 requests came in from Massachusetts. USA Cares has received 26 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in West Springfield, USA Cares paid $840 in rent to keep a family with a baby in the home. In Salisbury, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $2,200 to save the family home. And in Milford, USA Cares helped with an oil payment for heat while the service member was getting a loan for a new furnace.

There are several military installations in Massachusetts, including Hanscom Air Force Base, which manages the development and acquisition of electronic command and control systems, and Westover Air Reserve Base, home of the 439th Airlift Wing.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Massachusetts, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants more than $70,000 to Oklahoma military families

More than 180 families in financial need helped, nine homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $70,000 over five years to service members living in Oklahoma. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved nine Oklahoma military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 183 families have received grants. In 2007, 83 requests came in from Oklahoma. USA Cares has received 51 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Edmond, USA Cares paid $620 in rent to keep a family with one child in the home. In Muskogee, the organization negotiated on an automobile loan and paid $1,000 to save the car. And in Oklahoma City, USA Cares helped with more than $400 in utility payments because the service member’s spouse had to have emergency surgery.

There are several military installations in Oklahoma. Fort Sill is the location of the Army Field Artillery School, and the base supports a population of about 53,000 plus a large retiree community. Tinker Air Force Base hosts the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, the 72nd Air Base Wing, and two Air Force Reserve Wings. And Vance Air Force Base is a pilot training base.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Oklahoma, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants more than $70,000 to South Carolina military families

More than 170 families in financial need helped, nine homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $70,000 over five years to service members living in South Carolina. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved nine South Carolina military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 172 families have received grants. In 2007, 68 requests came in from South Carolina. USA Cares has received 73 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Clover, USA Cares negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $4,600 keep a family with two children in their home. In Columbia, the organization paid a $560 house payment as well as $630 in other bills. And in Kingstree, USA Cares helped with a $480 vehicle payment and granted a $100 Wal-Mart gift card. The service member had been in a vehicle accident while being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

There are several military installations in South Carolina, including Shaw Air Force Base, home of the 9th Air Force Headquarters and the 20th Fighter Wing, the largest combat F-16 fighting wing; Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, one of the Marine Corps’ preeminent training facilities; and Fort Jackson, the largest Initial Entry training Center in Army, training 34 percent of all Soldiers and 69 percent of the women entering the Army each year.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of South Carolina, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped more than 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Lap Wraps, Boxers Donated

On Sept. 24, USA Cares Director of Volunteer Outreach, left, presented donated boxers and lap wraps to the Soldier and Family Assistance Center on Fort Knox in support of Operation Brave Boxer and Operation Lap Wrap. MSG Ray Folse, noncommissioned officer in charge of the center, right, accepted the donations on behalf of Soldiers and their families going through transition periods.

"The Steve Wilkos Show" Joining Forces with USA Cares

Daytime Talk Show to Raise Awareness of Military Families in Need

RADCLIFF, KY USA Cares has a new partner in its mission to provide financial support for military families in their time of need. NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution’s “The Steve Wilkos Show” is teaming with the organization to “make a difference in the lives of U.S. military personnel and their families.”

Wilkos, a former Marine and Chicago police officer, will serve as a national spokesperson for the organization and will travel the country to help get the word out for USA Cares. The married father of two young children, he has a special place in his heart for those in the service, veterans and the families left behind by those serving overseas.

“As a former Marine, I couldn’t be more proud to support an organization like USA Cares,” Wilkos said. “USA Cares provides military families and veterans with critical resources, and I cannot think of a more deserving group of people to support.”

The show is kicking off its second season with USA Cares, including asking viewers to get involved by logging on to the show's web site, www.SteveWilkos.com, or the USA Cares site, www.usacares.org. According to NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution, a national public service announcement campaign, in-show messaging, national and local fundraising events, co-branded online initiatives and much more are in the works.

“Steve Wilkos takes on difficult challenges and issues in a very direct and impactful way. And it’s like my Marine Corps friends say, ‘Once a Marine…Always a Marine’.” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said. “You have to respect the fact that some challenges just cannot be ignored. USA Cares is appreciative of the commitment by Wilkos and NBC Universal in assisting us help military families and veterans from all branches of service when they most need it.”

USA Cares was founded in 2003 and has responded to about 12,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” Nelson said.

About NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution

NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. The NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution division is responsible for the distribution of NBC Universal product to all forms of television within the U.S. and Canada. This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, including formats and non-scripted programming, in the pay, free, and basic markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs and theatrical and TV movie packages. "The Steve Wilkos Show" is currently distributed in more than 95% of U.S. markets.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Boonedock’s Sees Red on Fridays

Vine Grove Business Supporting USA Cares “Red Shirt Friday” Campaign

VINE GROVE, KY A new business in Vine Grove has joined the USA Cares Red Shirt Fridays campaign to show the community it supports military families.

A USA Cares Family Resource Coordinator mentioned the Red Shirt Fridays program to the Boonedock’s manager while at the restaurant, and owner Sherry Boggs immediately came out to the table with a donation. She didn’t hesitate when asked if she would be interested in joining the team. Boggs was in the Air Force, and her husband Joseph was in the Army. And they know Vine Grove is very pro military, which made the decision that much easier.

Caption:The Boonedock’s staff: (top) Amanda True and Walter Brennan; (front) Josh Clark, Rich Mixon, Jennifer Drake, Sherry Boggs and Katherine Hayden.

“Helping the troops, their families and our veterans is something I am very passionate about, and I want to do everything I can to show support for our brave men and women,” Boggs said. To that end, she is working with Kim Moorman, Director of Business Development at USA Cares, on hosting an event at Boonedock’s to help show their support of USA Cares.

The Red Shirt Fridays program has sold 10,000 shirts that say “I Care Too!” and provides a way for companies and organizations to show they support our troops and military families. With the purchase of a minimum of 25 shirts, a business can customize the back of the shirt with its name and then encourage employees to wear them every Friday. Some stores offer discounts to customers who wear the “I Care Too!” shirts into their business, and others continue the support by purchasing extra shirts, selling them and then donating the proceeds back to USA Cares. For more information about joining the Red Shirt Fridays program, go to www.icarefriday.org or contact Kim Moorman at (270) 352-5451.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In five years, USA Cares has helped 12,000 clients and distributed more than $5 million in grants. Military families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/ or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.


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Cardinal Health Marks 9/11 with ‘I Care Too!’ Tribute

USA Cares red shirts worn in recognition of Patriot Day

RADCLIFF, KY Employees of Cardinal Health in Radcliff wore USA Cares “I Care Too!” red shirts on Thursday in memory of those who died and served during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The employees gathered for a photo to pay tribute to the sacrifices made and assistance rendered seven years ago.

“Ed Donohue, one of our teammates, brought up the idea, and we thought it was a great way to show our support of our troops and first responders,” Kim Compton of Cardinal Health said. “I reached out to City Hall, they put us in touch with the fire department, and a ladder truck came out to take the picture for us.” Although the photo was taken after 5 p.m., there was still “a group of about 50, a good turnout,” that stayed, Compton said.

The Red Shirt Fridays campaign, a USA Cares fund-raiser, seeks to increase awareness and funds to support Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, and Coast Guard service members by selling more than 165,000 T-shirts – one for every service member in Iraq and Afghanistan. Program participants are encouraged to wear the red shirts every Friday in the workplace to demonstrate their support for American troops.

Cardinal Health joined Red Shirt Fridays in late June as a corporate supporter. The company purchased 600 T-shirts for its employees. It is one of several businesses nationwide supporting the program, including Boonedocks, Hardin Memorial Hospital, Heart of Kentucky Realtors, Huddle House, Kentucky National Bank, Nolin RECC, Kentucky Land Company, Radcliff Chamber of Commerce, Republic Bank Elizabethtown/Louisville, and U.S. Cavalry.

“Cardinal Health has always had a policy of supporting the community, and it’s our sincere pleasure to share this tangible expression of our support for local military families, particularly those in the Radcliff and Fort Knox area,” Paul Rogers, vice president of customer service, said at the June gathering celebrating the company’s commitment to the Red Shirt Friday program.

USA Cares Director of Business Development Kim Moorman works closely with businesses who want to show their support. “It’s amazing how so many people want to reach out to our troops and their families,” she said. “Wearing the red shirts gives them a visible way to spread the word and help USA Cares continue its work helping military families.

“Cardinal Health was our first Fortune 100 company to participate in our campaign,” Moorman said. “We hope their participation and enthusiasm in supporting the troops, both on Fridays and on special occasions like Patriot Day, will inspire other companies to do the same.”

Businesses or organizations interested in joining the “I Care Too!” Red Shirt Fridays campaign may contact Moorman at (270) 352-5451 or kmoorman@usacares.org.

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health is an $90 billion global company serving the health care industry with products and services that helps hospitals, physician offices and pharmacists reduce costs, improve safety, productivity and profitability, and deliver better care to patients. Ranked No. 19 on the Fortune 500, Cardinal Health employs more than 40,000 people on five continents.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares Earns 2008 Newman’s Own Award

Organization Recognized for Military Family Assistance Program

RADCLIFF, KY USA Cares recently received a Newman’s Own Foundation $5,000 grant in recognition of its mission to provide military families with financial support and other critical resources in their time of need.

The awards are co-sponsored by the Fisher House Foundation Inc., Newman’s Own Inc. and Military Times Media Group with the purpose of recognizing homefront organizations for their contributions to military quality of life.

“Being chosen for this grant really shows that USA Cares is making a difference nationwide,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said. “This recognition tells people that we are worthy of support, and we need that support to continue helping these families.”

Paul Newman’s iconic likeness adorns a variety of products in grocery stores. It is, according to newmansown.com, “shameless exploitation in pursuit of the common good.” Newman and the foundation donate all profits and royalties after taxes for educational and charitable purposes. Since 1982, Newman and his foundation have given more than $250 million to thousands of charities worldwide.

USA Cares accepted the award and $5,000 grant at an event hosted by Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Pentagon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Fourteen other organizations received grants in amounts ranging from $15,000 to $1,000. Fisher House reported that it received 120 applications for these grants.

“Your spirit of volunteerism, generosity and patriotism is making a difference in the quality of life for members of the military and their families,” the award states. “Your contributions to the support and welfare of our armed forces are appreciated.”

The Fisher House facilitates the awards. Its foundation is “dedicated to our greatest national treasure … our military service men and women and their loved ones.”

“This grant will go to direct assistance for military families and our general mission,” USA Cares Fund Development Director Jennifer Robinson said. “We’re honored to receive this grant.”




About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Sales of Children’s Book to Support USA Cares

‘A Glove of Their Own’ an uplifting tale of children’s love and passion for baseball

RADCLIFF, KY A soon-to-be-released children’s book, “A Glove of Their Own,” is contributing a portion of its sales to USA Cares.

“A Glove of Their Own” is about “Giving back and extending friendship is written between the lines of this story; a story of kids who play with little, worn-out equipment, without coaches or concession stands, all for the love of the game,” Bob Salomon said on the book’s web site, http://www.agloveoftheirown.com/. Salomon, a father of two and Little League baseball coach, along with authors Debbie Moldovan, Keri Conkling and Lisa Funari-Willever, created the book.

The sale of each book generates $3.30 for charities, Salomon said. Three charities receive 10 cents each. Purchasers can then designate the remaining $3 of the donation to USA Cares by using the USC 247 charity code on the Web site where the book is ordered.

“Whether you donate your old equipment, organize a community collection, or donate funds to these dedicated organizations, you will have made a difference to a child,” Salomon said.

“We’re honored to be a recipient of charitable funds generated from the sales of ‘A Glove of Their Own’,” USA Cares Director of Business Development Kim Moorman said. “The goal of the book is to teach children the value of sharing what you have with those in need. That idea is in line with our mission, to help military families in need.”

“I’m proud that we can be a part of this wonderful book,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

Sports organizations such as Rawlings, Louisville Slugger and Modell’s have joined several big name baseball stars such as retired Houston Astros legend Craig Biggio and Boston Red Sox first baseman Sean Casey in promoting the book.

Besides featuring “A Glove of Their Own” at its Museum, Louisville Slugger has chosen to use the same USC 247 charity code to show its support for military families through USA Cares.

“A Glove of Their Own” first editions will be available in late October. The book is illustrated by Lauren Lambiase and is a 10”x10” slipcover hardback with 32 pages. The cost is $15.95. Click on the USC 247 charity code to designate that $3 of the book’s sale goes to USA Cares. Reserve a copy at the Franklin Mason Press web site (http://franklinmasonpress.com/store/page2.html). For more information, go to the book’s web site (http://www.agloveoftheirown.com/).

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In its five and one-half years of operation, USA Cares has responded to over 11,000 requests for assistance, saved 465 military family homes from foreclosure or eviction thus sparing over 1,000 children from uncertainty. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants more than $90,000 to Michigan military families

More than 200 families in financial need helped, 13 homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $90,000 over five years to service members living in Michigan. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved 13 Michigan military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 210 families have received grants. In 2007, 70 requests came in from Michigan. USA Cares has received 58 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Port Huron, USA Cares paid more than $3,000 one a mortgage to keep a family with five children in the home. In Elsie, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $912 to save the family home. And in Canton, USA Cares helped with utility payments because the service member had surgery after an injury on duty and did not receive incapacitated pay.

There are some military installations in Michigan, including the Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal, which provides quality of life programs, housing referrals and base operations support to personnel from all four branches; and the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, a Defense Logistics Agency.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Michigan, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants more than $85,000 To Illinois military families

200 families in financial need helped, eight homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $85,000 over five years to service members living in Illinois. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved eight Illinois military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 200 families have received grants. In 2007, 66 requests came in from Illinois. USA Cares has received 81 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in DeKalb, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a family with two children in the home. In Joliet, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $3,400 to save the family home. And in Elmhurst, USA Cares helped with a telephone payment because the service member was forced to retire after an injury in Iraq and benefits were slow in arriving.

Included in Illinois military installations are Scott Air Force Base, home of the 375th Airlift Wing which makes global mobility possible; and Naval Station Great Lakes, home to the Navy’s only Recruit Training Command.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Illinois, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants more than $78,000 to Alaska military families

More than 200 families in financial need helped, three homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $78,000 over five years to service members living in Alaska. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved three Alaska military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 230 families have received grants. In 2007, 85 requests came in from Alaska. USA Cares has received 39 requests for help in the first eight months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Eagle River, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a family with three children in the home. And in Barrow, USA Cares helped because the National Guard service member was away when extremely low temperatures damaged the home’s heater, toilet, and water heater. USA Cares was able to replace the water heater.

There are several military installations in Alaska. Fort Wainwright is home to the third Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the Task Force 49 Aviation Brigade. The post supports more than 12,000 people. Elmendorf Air Force Base is also in Alaska, hosting the largest and principle unit in the 11th AF, the 3rd Wing. It provides combat ready forces to Southwest Asia operations; and Fort Richardson, the military’s most centrally located worldwide transportation hub. The installation is home base for more than 22,000 service members and civilians.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Alaska, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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Help Comes Together to Assist Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran

USA Cares teams with other organizations to get the job done

RADCLIFF, KY. - Vermont National Guard Solder, Stephen Larkin of Brookfield, VT was deployed with his unit, HHC 2nd Battalion, part of Task Force Green Mountain to Iraq in 2006. During that time he received back injuries while guarding the Iraq/Kuwait border at camp Navistar. Stephen has also been diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

Upon medical release from Iraq, Stephen was sent to Ft. Gordon, Georgia for his first round of surgery. He remained there on medical hold for 6 months until released to Veterans Administration care in White River Junction, Vermont. Stephen had one of his vertebra replaced with titanium plate and he has lost feeling in his left side. He was unable to return to work as a result of these injuries. Prior to deployment, Stephen worked as an information specialist and maintenance technician at the Randolph Rest area off I-89.

The Larkin's financial situation has deteriorated as they struggle to live on his VA disability check. His wife, Susan, is also unable to work due to her own health issues. While they struggle to keep their bills paid, they hit rock bottom when the septic system on their property failed completely earlier this year.

Fearing that the state could condemn their home, they discussed their situation with Vermont National Guard Family Assistance Center Specialist, Joyce Cloutier. Joyce immediately brought in Amy-Jayne McCabe, Northeast Regional Manager for USA Cares: A leading non-profit organization providing post-9/11 veterans and military families with financial support and other critical resources.

The Larkin's need was greater than USA Cares could tackle on its own. Part of what USA Cares does very well is to find additional resources for military families when a need is to too great. So Joyce and Amy-Jayne partnered with other organizations such as Rebuilding Together, The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Unmet Needs, and Operation Homefront. The Ethan Allen Chapter of AUSA, Veteran Love and Appreciation, Weed Concrete out of Newport, New Hampshire, Dimmick Septic out of Randolph and the Vermont State Veteran's Assistance office are others who also stepped up for this family. They all came together sharing their money and resources; each offering a portion of the total of nearly $15,000 needed to make a difference in the life of a Soldier who has given so much and asked for so little in return.

"One of the reasons I believe that the Army Community Covenant, a part of the Army’s Soldier Family Action Plan, recognized USA Cares as a source of military family financial assistance is because we partner with other organizations and have dedicated personnel who don’t stop working for veterans until the job gets done' said Bill Nelson, Executive Director of USA Cares.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In its five and one-half years of operation, USA Cares has responded to over 11,000 requests for assistance, saved 465 military family homes from foreclosure or eviction thus sparing over 1,000 children from uncertainty. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

For more information please contact:

John Revell, Communications and Public Relations Manager
USA Cares
800.773.0387
270.352.5451
www.usacares.org

USA Cares grants more than $85,000 to Pennsylvania military families

More than 180 families in financial need helped, eight homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated more than $85,000 over five years to service members living in Pennsylvania. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved eight Pennsylvania military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 188 families have received grants. In 2007, 60 requests came in from Pennsylvania. USA Cares has received 68 requests for help in the first seven months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Drexel Hill, USA Cares paid $750 in rent to keep a family with two children in the home. In Philadelphia, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $3,500 to save the family home. And in Doylestown, USA Cares helped with utility payments for a service member who suffered back injuries and PTSD and was unable to work or accompany his unit when it moved to California.

There are several military installations in Pennsylvania, including the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, which serves the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army Reserve; Carlisle Barracks, an Army Installation Management Agency location supporting the U.S. War College; and the Tobyhanna Army Depot, the largest full-service electronics maintenance facility in the Department of Defense and employer of more than 5,000 people.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Pennsylvania, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants almost $93,000 to New York military families

More than 200 families in financial need helped, seven homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated almost $93,000 over five years to service members living in New York. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved seven New York military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 237 families have received grants. In 2007, 88 requests came in from New York. USA Cares has received 91 requests for help in the first seven months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Calcium, USA Cares paid $500 in rent to keep a family with three children in the home. In Central Islip, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $7,400 to save the family home. And in Fort Drum, USA Cares helped with food and provided assistance for the pregnant spouse of a service member after two auto accidents drained their finances.

There are several military installations in New York, including the United States Military Academy at West Point, which graduates more than 900 new officers annually; Fort Drum, a training facility that is home to the 10th Mountain Division; and Fort Hamilton, a unique combined community of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, reserve components and more.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of New York, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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USA Cares grants $93,000 to Kansas military families

More than 250 families in financial need helped, nine homes saved

RADCLIFF, KY – USA Cares Inc., a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military families, has donated $93,000 over five years to service members living in Kansas. The grants were used for getting treatment for wounded soldiers, saving homes from foreclosure, and assisting with basic needs during times of serious financial crisis.

Since 2003, these donations saved nine Kansas military families from losing their home to foreclosure, and overall 253 families have received grants. In 2007, 104 requests came in from Kansas. USA Cares has received 76 requests for help in the first seven months of 2008.

“Today’s military families are facing a perfect storm: multiple deployments, rising gas and food prices, the sub-prime mortgage mess, and a struggling economy. Coupled with visible and invisible wounds of war, many families can’t win this battle without our assistance,” Roger Stradley, founder of USA Cares, said. Members of any branch of the military serving post 9/11 and their families can apply for help.

USA Cares has worked with military families since it was founded in 2003. Since then, the organization has responded to over 11,000 requests for help with more than $5 million in direct assistance grants. On the housing front, USA Cares is a recognized leader in mortgage loss prevention assistance for the military. In the future, USA Cares hopes to work with other partners to field a program for post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury victims who lack the financial resources to attend the treatment they need and deserve, ensuring that the service member doesn’t have to choose between groceries or treatment.

Nationally, USA Cares receives more than 100 new requests for assistance a week. Dedicated staff and volunteers work through each one with the determination and commitment to assist these families as quickly as possible. “USA Cares is out there actually providing financial assistance to solve these problems – we’re not just talking about them,” USA Cares Executive Director Bill Nelson said.

For example, in Manhattan, USA Cares paid $900 in rent to keep a family with one child in the home. In Kansas City, the organization negotiated with a mortgage company and paid $5,000 to save the family home. And in New Century, USA Cares helped with a $500 vehicle payment because the service member was being trained for deployment and wasn’t paid correctly.

There are several military installations in Kansas, including For Leavenworth, the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi and home of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center; McConnell Air Force Base, host of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and service provider for more than 15,500 people; and Fort Riley, location of the 24th Infantry Division and provider of ready forces as directed by FORSCOM. Fort Riley supports a population of more than 48,500 people, as well as any National Guard and Reserve members who train there.

USA Cares embarked on a national fundraising campaign on July 4. Share A Minute will raise funds by asking Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000-minute annual tour of duty. Those minutes quickly add up to create hardships for soldiers and their families during deployment or when they return, and it costs USA Cares $25 a minute to help these families.

This level of support will ensure that USA Cares can meet all the needs of military personnel and their families not only through the present twin crises of PTSD/TBI and housing, but also the economic challenges yet to come.

Stradley said there is no doubt that Americans will help by donating. “Our nation, including the residents of Kansas, has a level of compassion that is unmatched in the world. This nation’s defenders need help, and it’s now our duty to come to their aid.”

To share a minute, go to http://www.usacares.org/ and click on the Share A Minute logo or call 1-800-773-0387 for more information.

About USA Cares and Share A Minute

USA Cares is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that helps military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission: to assist wounded warriors and their families, to prevent home foreclosures and evictions and to help with basic needs during financial crisis. Share A Minute asks Americans to donate $25 to represent one minute of a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine’s full 525,000 minute tour of duty. In 2007 USA Cares helped 98 wounded service members; saved 192 homes from foreclosure or families from eviction in partnership with The Homeowners Preservation Foundation; and provided 4,146 requests with other forms of assistance. Families anywhere in America can apply for assistance through the USA Cares web site, http://www.usacares.org/, or by calling 1-800-773-0387. For more information on USA Cares contact jrevell@usacares.org.

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