HALF A MILLION CARE PACKAGES SENT TO U.S. MILITARY IN COMBAT ZONES
Van Nuys, CA – December 8, 2009 – Operation Gratitude Director of Operations, Charlie Othold, announced today that the organization will reach a major milestone on Saturday, December 19, 2009: The shipment of its 500,000th CARE PACKAGE.
Othold expects the 500,000th package to hit the Assembly Line at ~11:15 am on Saturday, December 19th.
In addition to Wish List items and personal letters provided by more than 250 Corporate Sponsors and Friends, and by tens of thousands of individual donors across the country, "The 500,000th Care Package will include a roaring surprise generously donated by Sands Resorts," exclaimed Carolyn Blashek, who started the organization in 2003. A special delivery of the Half Millionth Package is being arranged.
Three previous Operation Gratitude milestone packages contained the keys to new vehicles. The 300,000th package was delivered personally in Iraq by Othold and Blashek.
The winners of the online "Guess the Candy Weight and Letter Writing Contest," will also be announced and the Winning Letter will be read and placed into the 500,000th package.
A special Guest Star will be on hand to sing the National Anthem.
Military and Political dignitaries, along with representatives from many of the organization's Corporate Sponsors will join celebrities and cast members from popular TV shows to assist the Operation Gratitude volunteers assemble thousands of troop gifts in addition to the 500,000th Care Package. Delicious product samples and a hearty lunch will be provided by Corporate donors.
WHAT:Operation Gratitude Volunteers assemble the 500,000th Care Package
WHEN: Saturday December 19, 2009: Production starts at 9 a.m.; the 500,000th package assembly and celebration will occur between 11:00 a.m. – 12 Noon
WHERE: California National Guard Armory
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, Ca. 91406
Corner of Victory and Louise
Volunteers (ages 12 years and older) are welcome to assist in the on-site care package activities.
For additional volunteer information, click here:
http://www.opgratitude.com/volunteer_hours.php or email OpGratVolunteer@yahoo.com
Each care package costs $11 to ship; tax-deductible financial donations to Operation Gratitude are welcome online or by check mailed to: Operation Gratitude; 16444 Refugio Road; Encino, CA 91436
Supporters can vote for Operation Gratitude to win cash prizes in two online charity contests:
Good Earth Cares: Vote once a day through Feb. 28, 2010 to win $10,000 for Operation Gratitude
Chase Community Giving: One-time vote until Dec. 11, 2009 to win $25,000 for Operation Gratitude
The Troops Respond:
The troops express their appreciation for Operation Gratitude Care Packages through a constant flow of letters, e-mails and pictures, as seen in the Mail Call and Photo Gallery sections of the www.OperationGratitude.com website.
"Thank you so very much for the wonderful care package. It means so much to receive anything from home and from people who I will probably never meet but who gave a bit of themselves to ensure I was taken care of. The separation from friends and family is difficult at best. But knowing that the very citizens we defend still care, it makes it so much easier. Thank you for your prayers and support. Respectfully, SGT J.M."
About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude (www.OperationGratitude.com ) is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer organization that annually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individual U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions. Our mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to all Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$100 and costs the organization $11 to assemble and ship.