New Jersey-2012-SCR54-Introduced

A Concurrent Resolution urging Congress and the President of the United States to establish an "America Cares" program to provide care packages to underprivileged persons in other countries.

Whereas, The citizens of the United States of America genuinely care about the well-being of others in foreign lands; and

Whereas, Our citizens would like to help those in other countries who are in desperate need of food and other assistance; and

Whereas, A federal government agency should create and maintain an "America Cares" program with a website that identifies countries, by region and city, in need of assistance. A list of local agencies and addresses of orphanages, schools, churches and other organizations should be made available in order to directly ship "America Cares" packages to these entities for distribution to local residents; and

Whereas, On its "America Cares" program website, the federal government agency should also create and maintain a list of suggested and appropriate items to donate; and

Whereas, In connection with the "America Cares" program, the United States Postal Service should offer pre-paid postage "America Cares" boxes in various sizes that citizens can purchase in order to send appropriate care packages to identified "America Cares" entities; and

Whereas, An "America Cares" program established and maintained by the federal government will encourage and facilitate individual giving abroad to underprivileged persons; and

Whereas, The "America Cares" program will promote America's goodwill among foreign nations; and

Whereas, The personal, national, and international benefits of an "America Cares" program would be immeasurable as it would be a true partnership between our government and its citizens for a worthy, humanitarian cause; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

1. The United States Congress and the President of the United States are urged to establish an "America Cares" program to provide care packages to underprivileged persons in other countries.

2. Duly authenticated copies of this concurrent resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the General Assembly, shall be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and to every member of Congress elected from this State.

STATEMENT

This Senate concurrent resolution urges Congress and the President of the United States to establish an "America Cares" program to enable Americans to provide care packages to underprivileged persons in other countries. The "America Cares" program is modeled after AnySoldier.com, a care package donation program, maintained by volunteers for members of the armed forces involved in active military combat overseas.

In connection with the "America Cares" program, the United States Postal Service should offer pre-paid postage "America Cares" boxes in various sizes that citizens can purchase in order to send appropriate care packages to identified "America Cares" entities.

The establishment of an "America Cares" program will support humanitarian efforts made by citizens of the United States and encourage individual giving abroad to underprivileged persons. Additionally, the "America Cares" program will promote America's goodwill among foreign nations.