Frequently Asked Questions
- How many troops are you reaching?
- How did Carolyn come up with the idea for OPERATION GRATITUDE</sup>?
- Do you only send packages to Iraq?
- How much does it cost to send one package?
- How is OPERATION GRATITUDE funded?
- How do you obtain the names and addresses of the troops abroad?
- Are you still working out of Carolyn's house?
- How long do you plan to send packages?
- Why is there a need to send packages?
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</sup>?
After 9-11, founder Carolyn Blashek felt a passionate desire to help fight the war on terrorism. Although then a 46-year-old mother of two living in Encino, Calif., her first thought was to join the Military. She quickly found out she was too old for duty and started volunteering at the military lounge in the Los Angeles airport. One day in March 2003, a soldier came into the office and broke down at her desk. He was on leave from a war zone for his mother's funeral, his wife had left him and his only child died as an infant--he had no one else in his life. "I'm going back over there; I don't think I'll make it back this time, but it really doesn’t matter because no one would even care” he told her. Right then Blashek realized that when bullets are flying, it's critical for troops to know that someone cares about them as an individual. That's when Operation Gratitude was born.
Do you only send packages to Iraq?
OPERATION GRATITUDE</sup> sends packages to members of all military branches deployed in hostile regions 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, communications, labels, storage, forklift rental and postage. The average cost per package is $11.
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 Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, 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.
