With the holidays nearly here and thousands of U.S. soldiers, sailors and air crews deployed in harm’s way overseas and elsewhere, officials for the Champion Logistics Group in Chicago want to ensure their holidays are as happy as possible.
Champion Logistics is calling on its fellow tradeshow businesses and others in the Chicagoland area to collect gifts and stocking-stuffers for U.S. soldiers, sailors and air crews to support the military’s “Operation Gratitude” effort. The operation seeks to send its one millionth care package to U.S. military members this year by collecting donations. To support the effort, Champion Logistics will drop off large Operation Gratitude collection boxes to Chicago-area businesses and other organizations that want to help make the holidays happier for our men and women in uniform.
“Our military does so much to keep us safe and free here at home, and these care packages are just one small way to let them know how much we appreciate their efforts and sacrifices,” said C.J. Berg, director of sales and marketing, Champion Logistics. “It doesn’t take much to make our soldiers’, sailors’ and air crews’ lives a lot better – a pair of new socks, some snacks or something that reminds them of home. Even blank holiday cards for them to send to their loved ones can put big smiles on their faces.”
Officials for Champion Logistics will pick up each box and donated items at a preset date and send them to Operation Gratitude for inclusion in the care packages sent to our active military members. Each care package will contain about 50 or more items, including snacks, small toys, socks, electronics, holiday and greeting cards, toiletries and other small items that can make the holidays a happier one for military members.
Since 2003, more than 815,000 care packages have been sent to active U.S. military personnel through Operation Gratitude. The goal this year is to top one million care packages sent since 2003. For those interested in participating, the Operation Gratitude “wish list” includes but is not limited to:
• Knit hats and scarves.
• Yarn for knitters to make scarves.
• Paracord survival bracelets.
• Beanie Babies, Webkinz or other small, plush toys.
• Sports-style socks that are not white (preferably black, brown, green or tan).
• DVDs and CDs.
• Commercially sealed lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant, sunscreen.
• Travel-size containers of foot powder.
• Individually packaged razors.
• Travel-size board games and handheld electronic games.
• Hand and foot warmers.
• Commercially packaged energy bars, beef jerky, healthful snacks.
• Screen-printed T-shirts, baseball-style caps, gloves.
• Holiday and general-occasion greeting cards that are blank.
• Unsealed personal cards and letters of appreciation to the troops.
Businesses, organizations and others in the Chicago area wanting to participate in Operation Gratitude or who need more information can obtain it by calling the Champion Logistics Group toll-free at (800) 323-5401 and asking for C.J. Berg in the marketing department.
