Frequently Asked Questions
If we don't answer your question, please contact us at staff@spiritofamerica.net
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Who can make requests?
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We respond to requests and provide support to those serving on the front lines: American military and civilian personnel in an official U.S. Government capacity for items that will help local people.
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How does the system work?
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For an overview of Spirit of America's request-donate-fulfill process please read How It Works.
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Who approves the requests?
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Spirit of America staff is responsible for reviewing and approving the requests that are submitted to potential donors. Except where the request is clearly inappropriate (and we haven’t seen one yet) we submit the requests we receive to potential donors. Additionally, in most cases we send a copy of the requests to the manager or commanding officer of the person making the request.
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Who will buy the requested items?
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In many cases, Spirit of America will procure the requested goods and send them to the person making the request. In other cases, Spirit of America provides the funds to the requestor and he/she buys the goods locally.
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How do you ship the goods?
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A variety of methods are used to get the goods to the person making the request. For smaller packages and shipments, the U.S. mail may be used. Larger shipments may be made using extra space available on military transportation in accordance with the Denton Amendment.
In some cases, the requestor’s organization may provide or assist with transportation of the goods. We also hope to establish relationships with international shipping companies
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Can people donate the goods instead of donating funds?
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We accept donations of goods when they can be made in bulk, e.g., from manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. Currently, we are not able to accept small donations of goods from individuals.
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Why must Americans distribute the goods in the host country?
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In addition to providing assistance to needy people in countries, Spirit of America seeks to support Americans serving abroad by helping them improve the lives of people where they serve. This makes their work easier, safer and more effective. We also seek to improve perceptions of America and demonstrate that the American people are friends and allies of those who want a better life. Thus, we request that Americans serving abroad distribute the goods because doing so provides an important connection with the people of the host country.
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How can I support the troops personal needs?
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Many of our donor and friends want to know how they can also support the troops personal needs. Visit the "America Supports You" website maintained by the Department of Defense to link with other organizations who support our troops.
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What is the role of the US government?
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Spirit of America is a privately-funding and privately-operated initiative. The United States government does not have a formal role and no government funding is provided to Spirit of America. We communicate closely with the agencies, groups and offices that are related to the work we are doing and enjoy their moral support and encouragement.
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How do you work with NGOs and charitable organizations?
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We communicate informally with a number of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and charitable and humanitarian organizations to help ensure the requests that Spirit of America assists do not duplicate work already being done. Additionally, we ask some country, culture and subject matter experts to provide informal review of requests and to offer feedback on appropriateness and suggestions for improvement.
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How do you ensure accountability?
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As our operational foundation we have carefully chosen those with whom we will work and accept requests from: those who represent and serve the United States abroad. Working with some of America’s most entrusted citizens reduces the possibility of problems. Additionally, we inform a requestor’s manager or commanding officer by sending them copies of the requests that are being made. Lastly, we require that those who receive goods from Spirit of America provide documentation of delivery and use, in writing and photograhs.
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