“Operation Gratitude,” an organization that supports military active-duty personnel and veterans, just celebrated the assemblage of its one-millionth care package on Saturday.
Under a big tent near the California Army National Guard Amory, thousands of women, servicemen, supporters and volunteers gathered to celebrate this milestone. Organizers said that it took one decade for this to happen.
Operation Gratitude sends over 100,000 care packages yearly to United States military personnel based overseas, first responders and veterans. Every shipment contains personal letters of appreciation, handmade items and snacks. These donated products cost around $75 to $100, and are arranged and shipped at $15.
According to Carolyn Blashek, who started the organization in her living room back in 2013, the most special things are personal letters written by kids all over the United States, and handmade scarves. They send in a wide range of items, from energy bars, trail mixes and other snack foods to entertainment items and hygiene products.
Operation Gratitude officially announced that the one-millionth package’s recipient will get a Ford F-150 pickup truck. This truck was donated by 5-Hour Energy. This overseas delivery, with symbolic truck keys and certificates for other presents, will be revealed the following week both through traditional media and social media.
About Operation Gratitude:
This nonprofit organization’s mission is to forge stronger bonds between first responder and military heroes, and Americans. This bond is strengthened through volunteer services, acts of gratitude, unique projects and many other meaningful engagements nationwide.
Last March 2003, over 17 years ago, Operation Gratitude sent its first 4 Care Packages. It was deployed to some Service Members in Iraq. Since its establishment, the nonprofit has provided millions of Americans the chance to express their appreciation through volunteerism. They have lifted the spirits of over 1.8 million Deployed Troops, as well as 1.2 million recruit graduates, military families, veterans, healthcare heroes and first responders.
Grateful citizens and corporate partners from all over the country donate over 15 million handmade items and wish lists every year to fill these care packages. Through hands-on service projects, letter-writing campaigns, donation drives and other activities, volunteers proved to be the soul and heart of the organization.
Operation Gratitude encourages more Americans to go above and beyond saying “thank you.” That way, they can provide opportunities for volunteers to establish more meaningful connections with service women and men and their families.
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