I just have to say that people have really been coming through for me and my classroom recently. Not only have we gotten a great response to my request for postcards, (by the way, again, thanks so much to everyone!!) but I also recently emailed many state tourism departments as well as national parks and organizations requesting pamphlets representing the places we will be "visiting" in the USA during our geography of the states unit of study.
So far, Hawaii and the Great lakes have been the most phenomenal, sending large boxes full of pamphlets, booklets, stickers, bookmarks, (the great lakes even sent a class set of reusable water bottles!) etc. I am amazed. A lot of national parks have also sent a couple of pamphlets, and Carlsbad Caverns even sent slides! I am disappointed, though in *my own city* (NYC). They wouldn't send anything without $15 paid postage. Forget it, and Im far too busy to travel over an hour to go pick it up (NYC is pretty big when you're traveling by public transportation). Im not surprised, but I would never pay that much when places across the continent are sending us materials for free!
Anyway, I just want to say that I am so so greatful for the generosity of others. It makes me happy.