About Help us Learn…Give us Hope
Helping these beautiful children through our soldiers builds a legacy for our country that will help us achieve our national objectives of stability and friendship.
Supporting school children in difficult places...
- Began January 2008 in response to CPT Brian McCall of the 4BCT, 1st Infantry Division. Brian asked for support in the form of school supplies and letters to be distributed to school children in his area of operations in Baghdad. Initially supplies were sent to support 7 schools with 2500 children. As other units become aware and ask to be included, the number of students in supported areas in Iraq and Afghanistan has grown to more than 600,000…and more soldiers ask for support daily!more than 500,000 pounds of supplies and 480,000 books have been donated as of June 15, 2010 and new shipments occur as rapidly as donations are received. The enormity of the need cries out for significant increases in donations. Please help these children and our soldiers. The good will that is built just may help to bring our soldiers home a bit sooner while enhancing the education these children so vitally need for a brighter future.
- Ships through US Postal Service so that the items go directly to soldiers who distribute them to the children in need. Supplies reach the destination in 5 to 14 days. Units provide verification that the supplies and letters have been distributed and send pictures of the school missions which will be periodically posted on this website. In addition, most units send thank you letters with pictures to donors.
- Engaged in sending books to assist in reestablishing libraries for schools at all levels in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are sent to a US Cultural Advisor in the US Embassy who works with the Ministry of Education in distributing them.
- Purchase and donate supplies at wholesale prices online from DollarDays.
Our Vision
- Align with all schools in areas of operations so that schools in Iraq and Afghanistan are supplied adequately to enhance learning and relationship building. Alignment should include sponsorship or partnership of each school in Iraq and Afghanistan with a school or organization in the United States.
- Each child will receive a back pack with basic supplies and a toy. Each School will receive basic sustainment supplies.
- Supplies will be provided to and distributed by Soldiers to enhance the building of good will. This occurs until such time as the Ministries of Education can adequately assume the mission.
Our Purpose
- Supports Iraqi and Afghan school aged children by gaining support from American citizens, schools, churches, and organizations. That support can be forms of partnership, sponsorship and/or the provision of school supplies.
- Strengthens the bond between Iraqi and Afghan children, their families and our soldiers thereby enhancing our mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Engages citizens on a higher level in the process of assisting children and our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Our Mission
- Provide school supplies and opportunities for relationship building in areas of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through Soldiers or service members of any service wishing to participate.
- Team with governmental and non-governmental organizations when feasible.
Help us Learn…Give us Hope Inc. Organization
“Help us Learn…Give us Hope” Inc is a Kansas Not-for-Profit 501C3 Corporation: Corporate ID #4206629 (501C3 Charitable Tax Exempt Corporation, IRS: EIN 26-2577466). Day to day operations are managed by the President and Chairman of the Board, Gary L. LaGrange.
All members of the organization are volunteers. No compensation is given to any person engaged with Help us Learn…Give us Hope other than the fulfillment that comes with enhancing the lives of children and soldiers.
