Operation USO Care Package Program Seeks America's Help to Reach Milestone of 2 Million Care Packages Sent to Troops
REVERE, Mass. and ARLINGTON, Va., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- With approximately 2.6 million service men and women in uniform serving overseas this July 4th, the United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO) and Sweethearts(R), the official candy of love(TM), are asking Americans to express their thanks to the troops who fight for our independence every day. During its six-year history, the Operation USO Care Package (OUCP) program has shipped more than 1.6 million care packages to our men and women in uniform. With the help of its newest corporate sponsor, Sweethearts, the OUCP program is seeking to reach 2 million care packages sent by the end of 2009.
The OUCP is asking for America's help to reach its goal. Sponsoring a care package with reminders of home and a personalized letter of gratitude is a simple and meaningful way to support the troops overseas, many of whom are serving their third or fourth tour of duty away from home this July 4th. For every $25 donation received, the OUCP program sends a care package valued at $75 to a deployed member of the military.
New this summer, the Sweethearts brand unveiled Red, White & You Sweethearts in partnership with the USO. These new red, white and blue candy hearts, featuring patriotic phrases, will be featured in OUCP care packages shipped this summer to further support the troops. In addition, the Sweethearts brand has provided a $75,000 commitment to the USO to benefit the OUCP program.
According to Sloan D. Gibson, USO president and CEO, 'Through the generous support of our corporate sponsors and individuals, the OUCP program continues to send some 25,000 care packages a month to our dedicated men and women in uniform. As we celebrate Independence Day this year, we are urging Americans to recognize the importance of expressing their gratitude to the troops by helping us reach our goal of 2 million care packages delivered.'
A Web site for individuals to make their own donation to the OUCP program has been set up at www.uso.org/sweethearts.
