Original Yellow Ribbon Girls hand off project
NORTH SEWICKLEY TWP. – Twenty years ago the Yellow Ribbon Girls were created to send monthly care packages to deployed troops around the world.
Like a baby, it was nurtured and its original members watched it grow, and like a child going away to college, it was time for it to move on from the project.
Bonnie Phillippi, the spokeswoman for her sisters Patti Phillippi and Vicki Henley, said they knew it was time to send their 'child' off to the world, to others who will guide it and care for it.
"There is this feeling of letting go, letting your child experience what life has to offer, praying they will be safe and that they will excel. And that they remember we are behind them forever," Phillippi said.
The women agree that the 20 years of the program has been an amazing experience. All three women have jobs and Yellow Ribbon Girls took up all of their spare time. They were constantly shopping sales to get the most for the project, including the after-Christmas sales. They had the constant pressure of fundraising for postage and raising public awareness.
"We will miss the people, the snacks and the amazing lunches," Phillippi said. "We are so thankful for each one of you, who has been part of our mission. Everyone who stepped up. Everyone who pitched in. Everyone who will carry on."
She said they will be volunteering with some of the groups who have stepped up to keep the Yellow Ribbon Girls sending packages to troops.
"With grateful hearts, we look forward to watching our Yellow Ribbon Girls explore and expand," Phillippi said.
These are the local groups that have stepped up and will continue to support the deployed troops in various ways. Phillippi said there may be others.
*Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
SouthWestern Pennsylvania Chapter PA 16
Create and ship care packages to our deployed troops and collections for various veterans needs.
Care package shipping schedule as of now: July 22 and Nov. 4
http://www.bluestarmothers.org
Email: president.pa16@bluestarmothers.us
* Flamingo Fanatics Society (FFS)
Hopewell Township, Beaver County
Local group that supports various charitable causes. The FFS is stepping up to support the deployed troops. Watch its website for further information. The group is organizing fundraisers for postage.
http://www.flamingofanatics.com
Email: FFSociety21@gmail.com
Contact Name: Susan.
* Yellow Ribbon Girls for Everyone
Chippewa Township. Pa., and Northern West Virginia
This group has been part of the Yellow Ribbon Girls for years. They are working to organize and ship on their own or as part of the FFS
Contact via Messenger for further information
* Games To Give
Created by Hayden Slade and Grady Smith of Ellwood City. Their nonprofit organization collects games and shares them around the world and locally with groups in need. They will ship card and board games to the deployed troops throughout the year. The group accepts donations of gently used games. http://www.gamestogive.org
Email: donate@gamestogive.org
* Beaver County Daughters of the Revolution
This group hopes to collect Christmas cards and supplies in October each year. They plan to ship all items in early November. Details have not been finalized yet.
Email: lar15009@yahoo.com
Contact Name: Barbara.
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Original Yellow Ribbon Girls step aside for others on military packages project
