Toys for Iraqi tots!
Chief Wiggles, an Army warrant officer serving in Iraq, wrote of giving a toy to a poor Iraqi girl.

She was obviously very poor, in her tattered old dress, totally worn out plastic flip-flops, her hair matted against her head indicating she hadn't had a bath in a long time and her skin blistered from the dirt and weather. ...

I rummaged through my FedEx box full of toys sent my by my teammates back home. I grabbed a comb, a brush, a pair of new flip-flops, a whistle, a stuffed monkey whose arms hang around your neck, and a new toothbrush and tooth paste and dashed out the door, telling my interpreter to come along. ...

Bending down I handed her the items one by one, as I explained what each item was, to insure she knew what I was giving her, especially as I gave her the toothbrush, asking her to be sure to brush everyday.

Her eyes lit up with such joy as I put the monkey arms over her head. She was so excited to receive everything, being somewhat shy though, not having dealt with an American before. She was so precious as her big brown eyes looked up at me, causing me to almost breakdown into tears as I walked away quickly so as to not bring too much attention to the little girl from the on looking crowd.

Do not send any of the following:

Any toy guns of any kind

No violent action heros

No violent toys (if in doubt, leave it out!)

No Barbie dolls or dolls scantily dressed dolls

No toys that shoot something, no projectiles (i.e., no suction-cup dart pistols)

No water guns

Keep it simple, just the basics, these kids have nothing.

Also badly needed:

pencils, pens, paper to draw and color on.

Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, brushes, combs, etc.

Nice stuffed animals, other items.

Just use your good judgment, and if you are unsure, contact a local Muslim group for help.

Here is the mailing address to send items to:

Chief Wiggles
CPA-C2, Debriefer
APO AE 09335