In response to a request from the U.S. 1st Marine Division, Spirit of America donated 10,000 school supply kits, 3 tons of medical supplies and 2 tons of frisbees printed with "Friendship" in English and Arabic. These items will be given to Iraqis by the Marines as gifts of friendship from the American people. The goal is to help the Iraqi people and to build better relations between Americans and Iraqis.

On January 21st, 40 volunteers from all parts of Southern California and over 50 Marines worked side by side to prepare the goods for shipment to Iraq.

In response to Spirit of America's support, Major General Jim Mattis, the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division wrote, "I cannot begin to thank you enough for your support. The initiative and focused support provided by you and Spirit of America are beyond anything we have experienced. We are happily modifying our embarkation plans to take this gift of resources with us overseas where they will make an enormous impact. In an imperfect world with our Sailors and Marines going in harm's way, your gifts will reduce adversarial relationships and bridge cultural gaps. You have significantly impacted our ability to do good and, I fervently hope, reduce the potential for combat."

See his whole letter here.

Read news coverage

• San Diego Union
• North County Times
• NBC San Diego

Read more about our Phase 1 support of the 1st Marine Division.