Bands for Freedom Foundation Inc. Vows to Devote Full Attention to Raising Funds for the Armed...

OREM, Utah -- Founders of Freedombands Inc. announce the creation of a new nonprofit organization

After raising more than $30,000 for the Armed Forces Relief Trust (AFRT), the creators of Freedombands Inc. today announced the creation of Bands For Freedom Foundation Inc.

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"We only hope that this new company's status as a not-for-profit organization will allow us to lower costs and provide even more support to the AFRT," said Steve Cloward, president and chief executive officer of Bands For Freedom. "Due to the simply unbelievable response to the cause of the AFRT and the patriotic wristbands, we saw the window of opportunity for the creation of a company that is totally dedicated to this great cause."

Cloward explained that in the time he has been involved with the AFRT he has realized how necessary its role is for the troops. Aside from donating money earned through the sale of its Bands For Freedom(TM) wristbands, Cloward says he feels an urgent responsibility to educate the public about the great needs of the men and women in uniform.

Last week Cloward presented yet another $10,000 donation to the AFRT to provide emergency funds for U.S. military soldiers and their families. This third check brings the donation total to $30,000. Michael Brown, director of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society's office at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in California, accepted the check on Dec. 23 during a live newscast on the NBC 7 morning show in San Diego.

"This is the third $10,000 check we've presented in the last three weeks," Cloward explained. "We hope we can continue to rally support for the men and women in uniform, and we feel strongly that we can make a positive difference for their families as well."

The AFRT has a proud history of providing needed funds for soldiers-in-crisis. Soldiers who must travel back to the United States for a funeral, the birth of a child or other emergency can turn to the AFRT to access the money they need to travel. Soldiers and their families can also apply for interest-free loans from the AFRT to help with bills while their family is away serving their country.