Many of you may have donated books for the soldiers or have read the post in the forum.  I am having to stop collecting books for the soldiers due to filling up the store room at the USO, but I have found another way to support the troops and their families.  So once again I am asking for the support of PBS members!!!!  I am asking for PBS members to donate NEW or GIFTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOKS.  There is a program the USO is part of called United Through Reading

This is what the USO says about the program:

The United Through Reading® Military Program has helped military families stay connected by recording deployed service members reading children’s books aloud. Once recorded, the DVD is sent to the children at home. To promote a full-circle of communication, the parent or caregiver is encouraged to photograph or video the child watching the DVD and following along with the book. The photo or video is then sent back to the service member, boosting their morale and enhancing the feeling of connectedness.

Children of service members who participate in United Through Reading at USO centers receive the recording of their parent and the book that they read. All recording equipment, books and packaging materials are supplied by the USO centers.

So please PM if you are interested in donating Children's books for this program or if you have questions.  The books will be sent to the USO at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (Texas).  This is one of only two US airports that all service personnel fly through when returning or deploying.  There are thousands of troops going through this airport each week. 

I hope y'all will help me support the soldiers and their children by donating children's books for this program. Just remember the books need to be in NEW or GIFTABLE condition as the soldiers send the books to the child as a gift.  The list below is just suggestions and to give an idea of the types of books they are looking for.  Any children's book in the appropriate condition will be accepted and appreciated.  Here is a list of books that are popular at the DFW site:

The first link is a website where you can get more information about the program.  The second link is a list of suggested books.  On the first site there is a picture on here of a toddler kissing the television.  On the television is his mother reading a book to him.  It just about broke my heart.

http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/specialprograms/unitedthroughreading/  

http://www.uso.org/pubs/uploads/booklist-for-military-families-by-age.pdf