Top Ten List suggests ways to show patriotic support

Published 12:00 am Saturday, July 14, 2007

1. Go to www.mysoldier.com to register for the &uot;My Soldier&uot; program and adopt a deployed soldier who could use a pen-pal friend.

2. Encourage children/students to spend their summer vacation creating this meaningful, even educational, pen pal relationship.

3. Join the My Soldier pen pal program as a family. Family writing projects can create a bond for a common cause, which deepens familial ties.

4. Wear a My Soldier bracelet to show your support (mailed to you free via a SASE).

5. Enjoy a parade and support the marchers.

6. Call the My Soldier Office

(914) 323-5172 to find out how you can get free My Soldier bracelets in bulk to use as summer picnic or parade giveaways.

7. Submit the name of an active soldier who would like to be adopted through the website link.

8. Adopt a soldier and earn a community service award. Manhattanville My Soldier now offers the opportunity for high school students to be recognized for their service and commitment.

9. Visit the soldier homepage at www.mysoldier.com and click on the Hats Off to Veterans to learn about how you can say thanks and show support to a hospitalized veteran.

10. Donate an item for the &uot;Red White and Blue (RWB) Thank You.&uot; The My Soldier office is collecting items for care packages that will be sent or delivered to hospitalized Veterans. A patriotic red white and blue theme is suggested. Items being collected (via mail or drop off at the My Soldier Office, Manhattanville College, 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY 10577) include:

* Tootsie Pops – Cherry (red wrapper) & Grape (blue wrapper), Twizzlers

* Captain America, Superman (and other Super Hero) Comic Books

* Playing Cards & Yahtzee (Dice Game)

* Beach Balls, Nerf Footballs

* Homemade Cards with handwritten notes

* Children’s Artwork.