"Project Misty" sends over 280 MST3K episodes to troops overseas

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

From the "official" Mystery Science Theater 3000 Web Site (http://www.mst3kinfo.com/):

LATEST NEWS -- November 28

MST3K FOR THE TROOPS
A while back we told you about a group of folks who are doing their best to send MST3K episodes to our troops overseas. As of this weekend, they've placed over 280 episodes of MST3K--and 36 science fiction movies--to 25 different units, in Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Kuwait, Germany, Japan and the Persian Gulf.

Thanks to everybody who contributed, and if you haven't contributed, it's not too late. The group has created a new website, with lots of info about the project at http://www.projectmisty.com. In addition to info about the project, you can also find out about special requests, find out which unit got previous donations and more.

Other info:

* The next deadline is December 7th to get stuff out to units by Christmas/early New Year 2005. Anything that comes in after that will be shipped after the Christmas holiday.
* The group is especially looking for additional DVD donations. Three-quarters of the units cannot accept VHS tapes, since sand causes havoc with the machines. The group has been able to find homes for all the VHS tapes donated, and you CAN continue to contribute them in the future. But DVDs are easier to place.
* There have been a few other specific requests coming in for favorite TV programs like Quantum Leap and X-Files. Check out the website for a complete list.

http://www.projectmisty.com/



"Project Misty was created to help cult TV and SF (science fiction) fans serving abroad, especially those stationed with little or no morale equipment or entertainment available. By donating DVDs, VHS tapes, and audio drama to soldiers, sailors and relief workers, we seek to make life a little brighter for the people who work so bravely on our behalf."

http://www.projectmisty.com/how.php

How It Works

1) We receive a request via email from someone serving abroad, either seeking a special or general request. We take any notes and add their information to our Excel list, which also shows previous donations.

2) We receive donations and organize them as they come in, according to show order if it's MST3K.

2) We check the donation against our Excel list and our list of what we have, and either ship immediately (especially for special requests), or prepare it for a bulk shipment. Bulk shipments are slated for once a month.

3) If it goes in a bulk shipment, we figure out which of the standing units can use it. We currently have 20 units which are slated to get monthly shipments.

4) By shipping day, we've packaged the tapes or DVDs in bubble wrap and boxes or bags, along with customs forms.

5) After shipping, we contact the units to let them know about the packages. We hold onto the customs number in case anything goes missing.

6) We update the Excel list and post the changes to the site, so donors know who got what episodes.