Now for those who really know me I am all about helping out our Military/Troops and spouses especially when it comes to loved ones and members of our families being deployed.
So after doing some research and sending so many care packages to my husband, I requested a care package from a amazing organization called Operation Gratitude. After they sent the care package, I thought to myself there has to be more organizations that do this and also where you can make donations and get more involved. I immediately started looking into various companies and organizations that send donations to our troops overseas.
Without further ado, here are my Freedom findings that I have personally sent to my husband during deployments and also highly recommend for places to donate, volunteer and become members.
*"Operation Gratitude annually sends 150,000+ care packages filled with snacks, entertainment, hygiene products, handmade items, plus personal letters of appreciation to New Recruits, Veterans, First Responders, individually-named U.S. Service Members deployed overseas, Wounded Heroes and their caregivers."
*"Dunkin Brands, Inc. supports the brave men and woman of the United States military." (under category select 'military coffee request')
STARKIST’S “TUNA FOR SOLDIERS” PROGRAM
*"StarKist proudly salutes and supports the United States Troops. We appreciate your thinking of us and are gratified to know that our troops enjoy and use our products.We do have a "Tuna for Soldiers" program in which units that request it are sent StarKist Tuna pouch products. Product can only be sent to an APO or FPO Address."
Jackie, StarKist Consumer Affairs
Email: consumeraffairs@starkist.com
*"Thank you for wanting to help support our troops. Our warehouses are located in Lisle, IL. First, if you know anyone currently deployed, please send us their name/address/expected date of return for a package. You could organize a card/letter writing campaign. We like to put 5-7 letters of support in each box that we ship. Last year we shipped 5,400 boxes, so you can see we need a lot of letters. You could mail those to us. Or if you’d like to email them, we can print multiple copies and put them in many packages. You could also make banners out of sheets and have your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, churchmembers, etc sign them." -Annette
OSOT America
1807 S Washington St
Suite 110 #359
Naperville, IL 60565
Operation Support Our Troops - America
Zippo - 5 Free Lighters
When contacting the Consumer Relations Dept of Zippo, their marketing assistant informed me that they are willing to send 5 lighters to a military/troop if given the address. You can submit a request through their website: http://www.zippo.com/customercare/contact_us.aspx
FOR SPOUSES/FAMILIES:
BuildASign - Free Banners (Just pay shipping. First time customers will receive free expedited orders.)
Free Welcome Home Banners, Welcome Home Signs, Military Banners
*Thanks to all of my military spouse friends who told me about this.
YMCA - Offers free memberships to spouses and children while military member is deployed. The Y: Military Outreach
Dog Tags for Kids - From a Parent Overseas to a Child at Home
USO - Free photo book to soldiers stationed overseas with an APO address
RocketLife & the USO Present Free Photo Books for Our Troops
USPS - Free shipping supplies to make care packages: Request Military Care Package Kit
Military OneSource - Free books.
I hope this helps out so many families as it has for mine. Feel free to share your findings as well.
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