TO THE EDITOR:

In an effort to support the grieving families of fallen American servicemen and women, Minnesota Foundation for Children an organization dedicated to providing grief camps for children, is proud to announce a special camp opportunity for the families who have had their loved one die in the Iraq and Afghanistan war. Operation Gold Star was created to provide support to husbands, wives, mothers and fathers, children, grandparents, and significant others who are facing a future without their beloved soldier and grieve together as a family in a safe, hopeful and nonpolitical environment. The free camp will be held March 8 -9, 2008 and is open to families in Minnesota and neighboring states. Applications can be downloaded on the Operation Gold Star Web site at www.goldstargrief.org. Surviving families and friends are faced with a distinctive grieving process after the death of a loved one in war. Our camp will give families the opportunity to be together in support, work through their on-going grief and develop friendships with other families experiencing the same tragedy. The weekend will consist of time for fun and play, relaxation, memorializing activities and special activities for children separate and together with the adults. Programmed activities for children 3-17, young adults 18-25 and adults will be scheduled. Licensed childcare will be provided for infants and small children to the age of 3. Experienced camp counselors and veterans will be leading the camp and its activities.

We want to provide this camp at no cost to as many families as possible, financial contributions to Operation Gold Star and Minnesota Foundation for Children can be made online or by mail at www.goldstargrief.org. Your generosity is critical to the success of camp. For more information about the camp and making online donations please visit www.goldstargrief.org.

Coral Popowitz,
Executive Director of the Minnesota Foundation for Children