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Join the Mission: 10 Ways to Make a Difference

Join us in making a difference for our military community with any of these simple actions.

We believe that everyone can make a difference, no matter how big or small. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 ways you can help our cause, from donating goods and volunteering your time to making a monetary donation. Every contribution helps us provide care, comfort, and support to those who have given so much for our country.

 

1. HOTEL AND SAMPLE SIZED TOILETRIES

Get free lotion samples by asking your local drug store.
Collect unused toiletries from your convention buddies.
Casinos often donate playing cards.
Small calendars can be requested from insurance and real estate agents.
Your letter carrier might have extra samples.
Consider asking your neighbors, church, or club groups to help collect items too.

2. TOOTHBRUSHES, FLOSS, TOOTHPASTE AND MOUTHWASH

Consider calling your dentist and asking for a donation of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.
You could also reach out to other dentists or healthcare professionals, like your doctor or dermatologist, and see if they have any samples to share.

3. GREETING CARDS AND STICKERS

Gather free charity greeting cards and stickers that come in the mail or leftover boxed cards from holidays and send them to the troops to send home. You can also ask your local card shop for unused envelopes, and stickers are a great addition to letters home.

4. NEIGHBORHOOD SCAVENGER HUNT

Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt! Give kids a shopping list and have them ask for donations around the neighborhood. You can also have them search your own house for items to donate.
Ask a grocery store for brown bags, staple the shopping list to it, and collect the bags left on front porches on a set day.
Involve your church or school by handing out bags with the list to each person.

5. Donate an item from our shopping list

Choose one item from our shopping list, such as black socks, and let others know that you are collecting this item for the Troops. This is an easy and effective way to make a difference.
Get creative and tie the item into a holiday, like starting a “Mom’s Love the Troops” drive before Mother’s Day and collecting packages of underwear. We all know the stories of how Moms worry about their kids having clean underwear!

See our shopping list.

6. Use YOUR CONNECTIONS

You can reach out to your network for help. For example, if you know someone who works at a hotel, ask if they can donate any hygiene products.

7. CONDIMENT PACKETS FROM RESTAURANTS

Consider donating condiment packets such as soy sauce, ketchup, etc. from restaurants to help make the MREs more flavorful. Just remember to pack them in ziplock bags to prevent any spills or leaks.

** MRE stands for Meal, Ready-to-Eat. It is a self-contained, individual field ration in lightweight packaging that is used by the United States military.

8. Donate your time with us

Volunteer your time at a care package assembly or other event to show your support for our military and veterans. It’s a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to work alongside like-minded individuals and make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

During these events, you’ll have the opportunity to pack care packages, sort donations, and participate in other activities that support our troops and their families.

9. LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN

Encourage your local schools, churches, and organizations to participate in a letter-writing campaign for the troops. Simple drawings or heartfelt letters can brighten up their day and give them a sense of connection to home. Remember to include a return address so that the troops can write back and share their appreciation for the kind gesture.

10. Raise funds to cover shipping costs

Encourage others to help cover the cost of shipping by making a donation to our cause. The expense of shipping is about $2.50 per pound, which makes it the biggest expense of our program. Every donation we receive goes directly towards buying care package items and covering shipping costs. To make a donation, simply write a check payable to Operation: Care and Comfort, or donate online.