The first care package of baked goodies that I ever sent overseas was to my daughter Marisa’s boyfriend at that time, Jeff. Jeff was in the reserves and was deployed his last year of college. Marisa told me what he liked, and I put together a package and shipped it off. Thankfully, Jeff finished his tour of duty safe and sound and within a short time became my dear son-in-law.
Shortly afterwards, I read an article in the New York Times about a woman in South Carolina, Jeanette Cram, who had a website for soldiers to request cookies. I felt a strong desire to take on some volunteer work; I wanted to give something back. I worked full time, but my kids were grown, so baking for our American soldiers was something that felt right to me. Besides, I was baking all the time and giving it away to my neighbors. Why not bake for an American soldier who was requesting it?
I checked out a website called Treat The Troops and connected with Jeanette Cram, aka The Cookie Lady and founder of Treat the Troops, who instantly sounded like an aunt or a close neighbor. However, I could also tell she was sizing me up. She confided that she doesn’t trust everyone with her soldiers. When I asked her how she knew I wasn’t a crazy person, she said, “because I got a feel for ya, from talking to you.”
The rest is history. I have been baking and shipping for over almost 5 years now. I was lucky enough to meet Jeanette in New York City once. We had dinner together and she really is a special person. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to help our American soldiers. After all, I am just Somebody’s Mom, and a soldier can never have too many moms sending them a package filled with goodies!
Take a moment to visit http://www.treatthetroops.org/
Somebody's Mom is now on YOUTUBE. I have 5 cooking videos, Apple Crisp, Broccoli Quiche, Onion Soup, Potato Pie and Walnut Tarts at the following URL;
http://www.youtube.com
then type under search Thesomebodysmom
