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, Afghanistan, and Africa has grown to more than 600,000…and more soldiers ask for support daily!
More than a million pounds of supplies and 1,500,000 books have been donated as of January 1, 2012. Supplies have been provided for an estimated 493,350 children and 16,500 teachers. The enormity of the need cries out for significant increases in donations. Please help us enhance the education that these children so vitally need for a brighter future while enabling our soldiers to win hearts and minds.
- 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, Afghanistan, and Africa."They are sent to soldiers or agents of the US who coordinate distribution to schools and universities. We also provide How-to-teach-English training for teachers and training in library development.
- 43,500 free 60 minute international cell phone cards have been sent to our soldiers as of August 18, 2011. Cards are included in each shipment and we provide them to military Family Support Groups thanks to our partner "Cell Phones for Soldiers".
Our Vision
- Align with all schools in areas of operations so that schools in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa are supplied adequately to enhance learning and relationship building. Alignment should include sponsorship or partnership of each school in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa 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 and books.
- 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, Afghan, and African 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, Afghan, and African children, their families and our soldiers thereby enhancing our mission in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.
- Engages citizens on a higher level in the process of assisting children and our soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa.
Our Mission
- Provide school supplies including books and opportunities for relationship building in areas of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa 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.
