Back in 2003, while volunteering in the military lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, California mom Carolyn Blashek found herself speaking with a teary eyed soldier about to deploy for Iraq. Touched by the encounter and resolved to make a difference in soldiers' lives, Blashek decided to found Operation Gratitude.
Based on the care package principle familiar to so many American summer campers, Operation Gratitude oversees thousands of volunteers as they stock, assemble and ship boxes of donated items to our American troops deployed oversees. The care packages remind soldiers of home and, more importantly, that thousands of miles away someone cares and is thankful for their sacrifice. From snacks to sun block, DVDs to teddy bears and even letters, these simple packages--each valued between $75 - $100 and stocked full of donated items--are capable of putting a smile on a soldier's face and lifting troop morale in even the direst conditions.
But this is no small-time operation: Since its 2003 inception, Operation Gratitude has sent over 850,000 care packages to men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2013, they expect to ship their one millionth care package.
To help Operation Gratitude with their "March to a Million" care package campaign, Champion Logistics Group, the Chicago-based supply chain company will be collecting and consolidating items donated by its clients during the Holiday season. Champion will then ship everything to Operation Gratitude's Van Nuys, California headquarters, where they will be added to packages and ultimately sent to overseas troops. Not only will Champion Logistics' effort get more items to Operation Gratitude, it will also help offset increasing transportation costs by delivering those items to the non-profit's sorting location.
To find out how your company can get involved in the Champion Logistics Group care package drive, please click here. Visit Operation Gratitude's Wish List to find out what kind of items and supplies they need most. Individuals interested in learning more about the donation program should contact Operation Gratitude directly.
Individuals interested in learning more about the donation program should contact Operation Gratitude directly at info@operationgratitude.com.
