Urban sends support to IRAQ

While the outpouring of support for the residents of the Gulf Coast ravaged by Hurricane Katrina continues flowing southbound, it remains important to remember our military forces serving overseas.

Urban answered the call when the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) requested donations to send to the servicemen and women in Iraq.

The shipment of various health care products and familiar goodies is expected to be shipped to Iraq within two weeks.

“This is a heck of a haul,” said Thom May, Urban’s Vice President, Environmental Services who also sits on the Board of Directors of SAME. “This is very satisfying. Just wonderful.”

Among other toiletries and treats, Urban’s donations included:

A slew of phone cards totaling more than 5,000 minutes;
More than three boxes of stuffed animals and Beanie Babies;
24 toothbrushes and accompanying toothpaste and mouth wash;
20 bags/boxes of various candy and gum;
More than 30 magazines;
Deodorant and soaps galore;
Dozens of pairs of socks;
Various other foot powders and foot-care products;
Q-Tips;
Razor blades and shaving cream;
Eye drops;
Aspirin;
Chap Stick; and
Several camouflage bandanas.

“I just think this is great,” May said. “It shows a lot of concern and support from all over the Urban organization.”

May said donations came from several Urban offices including Mechanicsburg and New York. “Not everything was tangible,” May said. Kathy Shepherd wrote a letter offering herself as an email buddy. It’s not something you have to purchase. She’s giving of herself and her time.”