Operation Paperback by Margot Justes

I’ve mentioned Operation Paperback before.

To use their words, “Operation Paperback is a non-profit organization that collects gently used books nationwide and sends them to American troops deployed overseas.” Since 1999, the organization shipped over 1.3 million books to our soldiers.

We collect books at work and to date have shipped 1,026 books. We accept donations from our employees and a few libraries have given us their ‘withdrawals’.

I love books and for me there is no greater pleasure, than to see someone else enjoy the escape from reality that a book provides. I assume that is especially true for our soldiers. If anyone needs an escape from a brutal reality, it most certainly would be a soldier in the middle of a war, or a soldier confined to a hospital bed.

There are many VA Medical Centers that need books, and it’s not difficult or expensive to send a box. The US Postal Service provides free shipping supplies, and if you ship via Media Mail and use a plain box it is much cheaper.

If you send the books outside the US, there is a special flat rate for the boxes earmarked for the military. Joining the organization is easy, just go to: www.operationpaperback.org

I was asked not to provide the name of the facilities however if you e-mail me at mjustes@earthlink.net, I will be able to give you the name of one medical center, or if you prefer to send the books to me, I will give you my shipping address. I’ll make sure the center receives them.

For just a little bit of an effort, you can make a difference in a soldier’s life, make it a bit more palatable for them and let them know we care.

Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris