Living
Operation Gratitude Salutes Memorial Weekend With Care Package Assembly and Letter Writing Campaign
By Carolyn Blashek
May 20, 2010 - 11:06:12 AM


Blackanthem Military News
VAN NUYS, CA - On Saturday and Sunday May 29-30, 2010, hundreds of dedicated Operation Gratitude Volunteers will assemble and ship thousands of Care Packages to U.S. Military personnel deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and on ships at sea, during the signature weekend of the organization's 2010 Patriotic Drive.  During Saturday's official program at noon, the group will announce the total number of letters collected locally in pursuit of the $50,000 grant offered by BJ's Wholesale Clubs in its "$1 per letter" campaign.  In further recognition of "Military Appreciation Month"  and to increase awareness and funding for Operation Gratitude's care package program, the non-profit organization is participating in several additional Patriotic initiatives with Corporate partners.

Operation Gratitude and BJ's Wholesale Clubs have challenged their supporters and members to write 50,000 letters to U.S. troops deployed in combat zones.  BJ's Charitable Foundation will in turn donate to Operation Gratitude $1 for every letter submitted online via BJ's Facebook Page, or in person at a BJ's Club.   Letters can also be mailed for receipt no later than May 28 to: Operation Gratitude Headquarters; 16444 Refugio Road; Encino, CA 91436.  Operation Gratitude representatives will personally deliver the California letters to a BJ's Wholesale Club in Florida on May 31, 2010, the final day of the Letter Writing Campaign.

 
Providing additional Memorial Weekend opportunities for Americans nation-wide to express their appreciation to our deployed Military, on May 30 and 31, all Stein Mart stores will apply a 10% discount off their entire purchase when shoppers buy and donate the following items for Operation Gratitude care packages: socks, undershirts, lip balm and baseball caps.  Stein Mart stores are located throughout the country, offering better quality merchandise at competitive prices.

Through the KIND Movement initiative, which transforms "not so random acts of kindness" into monetary support for important causes,  Operation Gratitude is competing with 90 other organizations to win $25,000.  KIND Healthy Snacks, the maker of all-natural whole nut and fruit bars, tracks and inspires acts of kindness using uniquely coded cards.  These  "Kind Cards" along with Kind Snack Bars have been included in thousands of Operation Gratitude care packages this month.  On June 30, the cause with the largest number of "not so random" KIND acts linked to it will win $25,000.

Each Operation Gratitude Care Package assembled during Memorial Day Weekend will include more than 50 assorted products (snacks, entertainment items, toiletries and personal letters) donated by Operation Gratitude supporters across the country and by many generous Corporate Sponsors.  Through the amazing efforts of dozens of scout troops nationwide, particularly those in the San Gorgonio, Los Angeles, CA Central Coast and Colorado Councils, every package will also include the item that best reminds everyone of home in America:Girl Scout Cookies.
WHAT: Operation Gratitude 2010 Patriotic Drive
 
WHEN:  May 29-30 from 9am-4pm Daily; Lunch: 12:30-1:00pm
             May 29 at 12:00 Noon:  Memorial Program and Letter Presentation 
             
WHERE:  California Army National Guard Armory
               17330 Victory Boulevard; Van Nuys, CA 91406
                Corner of Victory and Louise
 
Media and press are invited to all events and lunch.  Parking available on premises.
 
Volunteers 12 years and older are welcome to participate at the Armory. 
 
Financial Donations and Personal Letters for the packages should be mailed to:
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436

For more information about the BJ's Letter campaign and to receive helpful writing tips: Letter Campaign 


More on the Stein Mart Donation Program: Stein Mart

For details on the KIND Movement: Be KIND

To request a care package for deployed service members: Request Package

For details on the Operation Gratitude Patriotic Drive: How You Can Help;  Volunteers; and Great Ideas


Direct Links:

To Submit Letters Online: http://www.facebook.com/bjswholesaleclub?v=app_115050645192949
Writing Tips: http://www.bjs.com/about/news/content/item1,140.shtml
Stein Mart: http://www.steinmart.com/locations.stml
Be KIND: http://www.kindmovement.com
Package Requests: http://www.opgratitude.com/packages.php
How You Can Help: http://www.opgratitude.com/howtohelp.php?page=individual
Volunteers: http://www.opgratitude.com/volunteer_hours.php
Great Ideas: http://www.opgratitude.com/ideas.php
About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude (www.OperationGratitude.com ) is the 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer organization thatannually sends 100,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment items and personal letters ofappreciation addressed to individual U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions.  Our mission is to liftmorale, bring a smile to a service member's face and express to all Armed Forces the appreciation andsupport of the American people. Each package contains donated product valued at ~$125 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship.  Since it's inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude has sent more than 545,000 care packages to American Military overseas.