TO THE EDITOR:

A huge "thank you" goes out to the many people in the community who wanted to share some warmth with the people in Gjilan/Gnjilane, Kosovo.

Several weeks ago, when I asked my husband, 1Lt. Michael Boelk, what kinds of things he needed, he said he really didn't need much because they have a Post Exchange (PX) on base at Camp Bondsteel, but that the people in the communities he serves needed some things.

He said winter had set in and snow was falling frequently and that many people don't have warm hats and gloves. He said the people there work hard and are friendly, but they are very poor.

When I sent a letter to the Post Review asking people to pitch in to send some love and warmth to the people there, I didn't really know what to expect.

The reaction was amazing. When I went to pick up the items at the Post Review office on Monday, Nov. 12, I was overwhelmed by the number of items collected.

I received three large boxes full of scarves, winter hats, mittens and gloves for people of all ages.

Donors, including Fish Lake Lutheran Church, gave a total of $100 as well, allowing me to go shopping for more winter items. I was able to find a large number of items and still had a little money to use toward shipping through the cash donations.

All told, 60 winter hats, six homemade scarves, 20 other scarves and 50 pairs of gloves were collected.

The hats, scarves and gloves will serve as symbols from North Branch residents wanting to spread the "warmth" of their thoughts and prayers to a country working hard to make a democratic and free society.

Several notes of encouragement to the soldiers and the families in Kosovo will be mailed this week along with the winter items.

My husband said the items will go to a shelter or to residents who live in his patrol district and that he will send back a photograph as soon as he can. When he does so, I will be sure to share it with everyone.

Thank you again.

Barbara Boelk
North Branch