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 Frequently Asked Questions
How many troops are you reaching? Although each package is addressed to one individual, the “military way” is to share the wealth. Accordingly, each of the tens of thousands of packages we send may be enjoyed by several other unit mates. In addition, our compassionate military sons and daughters abroad often request items to pass out to the children and adults in the local cities and villages in which they are serving. How did Carolyn come up with the idea for OPERATION GRATITUDE? After 9-11, Carolyn began volunteering at a military lounge. While talking to troops on their way overseas during the build-up to Operation Iraqi Freedom, she realized the importance for them to feel support from the folks back home. Then, when the war in Iraq broke out, regardless of politics, there was a tremendous desire in our community to express support for the troops. However, because of post-911 security measures prohibiting people from sending packages addressed "To Any U.S. Soldier", people were becoming frustrated. . So, Carolyn decided to find a way both to let the troops know we care about them as individuals and to fulfill the desires of our patriotic citizens to show their concern, respect and gratitude. Do you only send packages to Iraq? OPERATION GRATITUDE sends packages to members of all military branches deployed anywhere in the world. To date, packages have been sent to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Korea, Africa, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Guantanamo Bay and onto ships in international waters. How much does it cost to send one package? Expenses include printing, packaging tape, labels, and postage. The average cost per package is $10-15. How is OPERATION GRATITUDE funded? Through private tax-deductible donations from patriotic citizens, foundations and corporations that learn about the program. All contents for the packages are donated by individuals on their own or through collection drives organized by schools, civic or religious groups and businesses. Several companies have become Corporate Sponsors or Friends of Operation Gratitude through their generous donation of products. How do you obtain the names and addresses of the troops abroad? At first, Carolyn asked everyone she knew or met if they had a loved one fighting overseas. Then, several troops who had received a package requested packages for their buddies. Now, friends, family or the troops themselves can sign up securely through the website. However, the majority of names are sent directly by leaders in the field who have seen the positive impact of our packages on the morale of troops and alert us to those service members who do not otherwise receive much or any mail from home. Are you still working out of Carolyn's house? The business aspect of Operation Gratitude is run from Carolyn’s home to save on overhead expenses. The sorting and inspecting of items, and the assembling and shipping of packages take place at the Operation Gratitude Headquarters in Southern California. How long do you plan to send packages? As long as the U.S. Military has a serviceperson deployed anywhere in the world, OPERATION GRATITUDE will continue to send packages. Why is there a need to send packages? Mostly to show our appreciation and let the troops know we care. The troops are far from home and the information they receive is filtered through the media. They need to know that the American public really supports them. Receiving letters and packages from complete strangers is affirming and comforting. |
BlackAnthem News 
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