Operation USO Care Package |
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USO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hundreds of thousands of military personnel are serving in far-off places defending the liberties we hold so dear—away from their families, friends and the comforts of home. In 2003, the USO discovered the changing needs of those thousands of deploying troops. Understanding the impact that the little things can have and difference they can make, the USO launched Operation USO Care Package providing the comforts of home in the form of a care package. Operation USO Care Package is the only program of its kind recognized by the White House and the Department of Defense due to the program’s strict adherence to security requirements.
HISTORY
Due to the threat of anthrax following Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Defense suspended its practice of forwarding correspondence and individual care packages addressed to “Any Service Member.” In its place, the USO of Metropolitan Washington created the Operation USO Care Package program to boost morale and provide a safe and secure way for the public to show their support.
CARE PACKAGE DISTRIBUTION
Since 2003, the USO has distributed more than 1.5 million care packages to troops deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq and other overseas locations, as well as those arriving and departing on rest and recuperation (R&R) flights and at special send-off celebrations. The USO works closely with the U.S. Department of Defense to distribute care packages where the need is greatest. The Operation USO Care Package office takes care package requests from deployed units, and makes every effort to fulfill these requests on a first-come, first-served basis.
USO CARE PACKAGE CONTENTS
While a $25 donation sponsors one USO care package and allows donors demonstrate their support to our men and women in uniform by writing a personal message, each care package is valued between $50 and $75. Care packages include a personalized message of support from the donor, a prepaid international phone card, playing cards, reading materials, travel size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, sun block, hand sanitizer, tooth paste, tooth brush, sunscreen), snacks and other requested and needed items. Individual items from the general public cannot be included in USO care packages, thus items are donated by or purchased directly from manufacturers in bulk.
CARE PACKAGE STUFFING PARTIES
Operation USO Care Package stuffing parties have become meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals and organizations who wish to take time to stuff thousands of packages. USO volunteers also have the unique opportunity of handing out these care packages to the troops and saying thank you.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Although the USO works closely with government and military officials, it is an independent 501(c)3 organizations that relies on contributions from individuals and corporations to support its morale-boosting programs and services. Monetary donations are used to purchase items directly from manufacturers and are shipped directly to the USO care package warehouse.
Show your support for our troops, donate to Operation USO Care Package today.
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