Help get used golf balls sent to U.S. Troops

For those that would rather show their support of the U.S. troops in the Middle East via actions rather than rhetoric, the Evansville (Ind.) City Council and Red Cross could use your help.

Recently, the City of Evansville started a program to send used golf balls to U.S. Troops in Iraq. The idea coming from the wife of an enlisted man who knew that those stationed abroad for long stretches were always on the lookout for some entertainment, and smacking around some golf balls is always entertaining. This is something that has been done in other areas, as well, with success.

“I am currently stationed in Kuwait and one of our guys recently received several boxes of golf balls from some folks in Arkansas. We plan to have a driving contest and create some entertainment for our sailors. Many THANKS to all the patriots back home that are always looking for creative ways to help us,” wrote a reader to the Evansville Courier & Press.

The drive for golf balls in Evansville went so well, however, that now the Red Cross is in need of donations to send the remaining balls after sending out 6,500 last week. They still have between 6,000 and 8,000 balls remaining.

“There are hundreds of guys over there, enthusiastic at the thought that Evansville, Indiana, is sending them golf balls,” Clerk Alberta Matlock said. “I hope we can continue to do this until this war’s over and all our people who are over there can come back home.”

For those looking to help get that shipping charge paid, contact the Evansville Red Cross, or donations can be mailed to Candy Croft, American Red Cross, 29 S. Stockwell Road, Evansville, Ind. 47714.

–WKW