Mission and Objectives
Spirit of America's mission is to extend the goodwill of the American people to assist those advancing freedom, democracy and peace abroad. We provide support to those on the front lines: American military and civilian personnel and people who call to Americans for help in their struggle for freedom and democracy. Our objectives include:
- Increase the reach, scale and impact of the informal humanitarian activities that take place on the front lines in troubled regions.
- Contribute charitable goods that can have a positive, practical and timely impact in the local communities where American personnel are involved.
- Establish connections and strengthen bonds between the American people and those in countries struggling for freedom and democracy.
Spirit of America is a 501c3 nonprofit supported solely through private-sector contributions. Our Federal Tax ID number is 20-1687786. Donations to Spirit of America and the projects we feature are tax deductible.
Some of our supporters see Spirit of America as a way to help people who have suffered from repression, terrorism and war. Others see us as a way to support our troops by helping them succeed with their mission. And others see Spirit of America as a way to help win the war on terror and advance freedom, democracy and peace. We are all of those things.
What We Do
Spirit of America helps American military and civilian personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as people who call to Americans for help in their struggle for freedom and democracy. We fulfill requests from American personnel for goods that improve the lives of local people and thus help advance freedom and peace for others we provide the resources to successfully attain the dream of democracy.
We have provided school and medical supplies, sewing machines, hand tools, watches, water barrels, clothing, soccer gear and toys in response to needs identified by American personnel. We contributed equipment to Iraqi-owned television stations to establish a better alternative to Al Jazeera. We helped Iraqi men whose arms were amputated by Saddam Hussein get a new start on life. We provided support to the pro-democracy protestors in Beruit, Lebanon in their march toward democracy and are working through a school partner program to put American and Iraqi children in communications. The project undertaken by Spirit of America are many and diverse, yet, ultimately, are all designed to have a direct and positive impact on the lives of the people working towards peace and freedom.
“Timex is proud to support Spirit of America," said Lou Galie, Senior Vice President of Research & Development for Timex. “We believe that their efforts demonstrate to the world the best attributes of the American People. The entire Timex organization is pleased that America’s best watches can play a part in this noble endeavor.”
We provide timely and effective assistance where it is needed most on the front lines. The Wall Street Journal says, “Spirit of America’s organizational insight is to deploy the best practices of the modern U.S. economy - efficiency and speed - around the margins of the Iraq war effort.” The Journal adds, “Spirit of America and the Marines are a coalition of the can-do.”
American soldiers tell us our work “literally saves lives.” LtCol David Couvillon says, “They say there aren’t any ‘silver bullets’ for improving things in Iraq. I don’t know. Spirit of America just might be a silver bullet.” And, Major General James Mattis of the Marines says, “The initiative and focused support provided by Spirit of America is beyond anything we have experienced.”
Spirit of America was founded in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Like many Americans, we wanted to do something to help. Since we started more than 10,000 people have contributed to our projects.
Through Spirit of America every American can make a difference in the world’s most troubled regions.
Background
Spirit of America was founded by Jim Hake, a businessman who The Los Angeles Times says, "draws on a fundamental faith that his country is trying hard to be all that it aspires to." 9/11 made apparent to him, as with many, that America and the freedoms America symbolizes are at risk. Having benefited from those freedoms and being familiar with the sacrifices of those who have served America, Jim sought an opportunity to contribute.
Inspired by the activities of Jay Smith and U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan, Hake sought to encourage and empower Americans serving abroad who wanted to take the initiative to help the communities where they serve.
"It was clear to me that expanding positive interactions on the front lines could both assist those in need and help America further reflect and perpetuate the ideals for which it stands." - Jim Hake
Contact Us at
staff@spiritofamerica.net">
staff@spiritofamerica.net
