Operation Helping Hands brings gifts to Children

Courtesy Photo | A 142nd Corps Support Battalion Soldier tries out a new way of toy distribution during a humanitarian assistance mission in northern Iraq June 21.  

IRAQ

07.18.2006

Courtesy Story

101st Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs

Released by 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) PAO
Task Force Band of Brothers

DAHUK, Iraq - Soldiers from across the 142nd Corps Support Battalion brought smiles and toys to children in one of Iraq's northernmost provinces during a humanitarian assistance drop here.

"The 142nd enjoys this just as much as the kids enjoy it," said Lt. Col. Ronald Green, battalion commander. "This will stay in the minds and hearts of my Soldiers."

Soldiers handed out Beanie Babies, sports uniforms, soccer balls, teddy bears and candy, donated by a variety of American organizations, said Capt. John Smith, battalion chaplain.

Lake Zurich High School, in Lake Zurich, Ill., sent the school uniforms, as well as "boxes and boxes" of teddy bears, Smith said.

Green's mother coordinated with a Dayton, Ohio, radio station in a charity drive which netted more than 4,000 Beanie Babies for Iraqi children.

In the town, the Soldiers dismounted from their vehicles holding plastic bags full of toys. As the children caught sight of the items, they quickly began to gather in the courtyard of the school building.

Two lines of neatly-dressed girls sang a song with clapping motions for the Soldiers, as the mayor of the town presented Green with a Kurdish flag.

After the preliminary ceremonies were over, the Soldiers lined up to hand out the toys. The children came on in a rush, hoping for one of the soccer balls, or perhaps a certain Beanie Baby or teddy bear.

Each child was to receive one toy. After receiving his or her Beanie Baby or other item, the Soldiers marked the child's left hand with a smiley face.

Once all the gifts were given out, the Soldiers snapped a few last photos, said their last goodbyes and headed back to vehicles

"I believe we've made an impression on this village," Green said "I think we were able to do a great thing."

• Date Taken: 07.18.2006
• Date Posted: 07.18.2006 21:43
• Story ID: 7239
• Location: IQ