#Middlebury #Veterans #OperationGratitude #CarePackages
VETERANS POST
By Freddy Groves
Since it began in 2003, Operation Gratitude has sent out in excess of 4 million care packages to deployed service members. Starting several years ago, OpGrat has expanded their range of giving to include first responders, wounded heroes, recruit graduates coming out of boot camp and veterans, saying thank you to those who serve. The kids aren’t left out either. Over 20,000 Battalion Buddy teddy bears have been sent out to military children in one year alone.
The donated items in the boxes (ranging from expensive gadgets to snacks to games to necessities) come from corporations, small companies, community and civic groups, and individuals. Requesting a care package to be sent to someone is easy. Packages can be sent to Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel deployed overseas and National Guard serving domestically.
Volunteers are at the heart of OpGrat. They write letters to be included in the packages and volunteer at the packing events. Local groups create handmade items, Scout troops and companies hold fundraisers and schoolchildren collect loose change.
If you doubt the value of this ongoing effort, look at the videos on the website (www.operationgratitude.com). And look for Carolyn Blashek, the woman who started OpGrat in her living room in 2003 after talking to an Iraq War soldier who doubted that anyone cared about whether he’d make it back. She decided to prove him wrong, and 4 million packages later, she has.
I first wrote about Operation Gratitude in 2008 and have been tracking them through the years. While other efforts have come and gone, OpGrat has only grown and expanded. One memorable highlight was the year founder Carolyn Blashek personally delivered a care package to a soldier in Iraq. That box contained the keys to a new vehicle, courtesy of the automaker.
Want to open your wallet and help? You can make a tax-deductible donation on the website or send a check to Operation Gratitude, PO Box 260257, Encino, CA 91426-0257. For more information, call them at 818-960-7878.
© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.
