Operation Gratitude is the California-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit, volunteer organization that sends care packages of snacks, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation addressed to individually named U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and on Naval ships at sea. Its mission is to lift morale, bring a smile to a service members faces and to express to all our Armed Forces the appreciation and support of the American people. As shown in the pictures, Hollywood’s finest are showing up to assist in this worthwhile cause: Mark Harmon, Gary Sinese, Ben Affleck, Patricia Heaton, Kathy Ireland and many more.
Operation Gratitude receives the names of thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines from commanders in the field who see the positive impact of care packages on their troops’ morale. The organization sends 100,000+ care packages every year during two major campaigns: A Patriotic Drive in May and a Holiday Drive in the winter. Each package contains donated product valued at $100 and costs the organization $11 to assemble and ship.
For safety and security all assembling of packages occurs at the Army National Guard armory in Van Nuys, California. Since its inception in March, 2003, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 450,000 packages to American service members deployed overseas. To learn more about how you can help, please visit these websites: www.operationgratitude.com www.youtube.com/OpGrat www.twitter.com/OpGratitude and www.facebook.com/OperationGratitude
As a mom who has a son deploying on Saturday, June 20, I just want to thank everyone who is working so hard to let them know we appreciate them. You’re awesome!!!
This was an awesome day! My husband filled boxes and I wrote letters for our military men and women who serve our country. Thanks Operation Gratitude!
Heartfelt THANKS for all you do for our troops. My youngest child LCpl Daniel Edwards USMC is currently on his second deployment. First was Iraq and now Afghanistan. Any word from “Home” from anyone is so greatly appreciated. Thanks again for taking the time to care for our boys….Semper Fi Karen Edwards Proud Marine Mom
As an Operation Gratitude volunteer, I am very thankful for the HMB’s help getting the word out about what we try to do in support of our U.S. Military. THANK YOU!
And another BIG thank you to those of you who serve currently and who served in the past….And to you family members who support your loved ones who are serving! Marti, Karen, and any others of you whose friends and family members are currently in harm’s way, we hope you’ll visit our website and sign them up to receive care packages!
Again, THANK YOU all!
Operation Gratitude – you simply ROCK! Thanks for organizing all of this, God bless you, your volunteers and our military.