Students and schools in Afghanistan are in need of basic school supplies.
U.S. soldiers like Maj. Sean Gustafson, a member of the Willmar-based 682nd Engineering Battalion of the Minnesota National Guard, are seeking donations to help them meet the needs of the thousands of children in the country's schools.
Gustafson is stationed in western Afghanistan in an area that has more than 300 schools, with 500 to 3,000 students in each school.
The list of things Gustafson and other soldiers are seeking is long, because the people they meet are so poor.
For schools, the soldiers want pencils, pencil sharpeners, notepads, pens, chalk, crayons, coloring books (no religious themes), colored pencils, small stuffed animals (Beanie Babies size), jump ropes, Matchbox-type cars and balls of any kind.
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The soldiers strive to give each child two pencils, a pen, a notebook or folder with paper in it, a small plastic pencil sharpener, a toy and a healthy snack, Gustafson writes in an e-mail.
Some of the schools are in orphanages, and they have other needs, including socks, shoes (used is OK), toothpaste and toothbrushes, book bags, T-shirts (no religious themes), diapers, undergarments for children ages 2 through 10. There is also a need for feminine hygiene products, particularly sanitary napkins.
Do not send candy, because there is little or no dental care in the country, and refined sugars are not a normal part of the diet, Gustafson writes. The children do enjoy treats of raisins and nuts.
Gustafson has also offered to distribute letters or pictures sent to the Afghan children. He can arrange for a business or other group to sponsor a school. A school or classroom could also become a sister school or class with one in Afghanistan.
Items may be mailed to him at:
Sean Gustafson
207th RCAG West
Herat
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APO AE 09354
