News Release: November 23, 2004
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
Ever since the onset of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, Americans have looked for ways to support U.S. troops deployed overseas. With the holidays just around the corner, the desire to reach out to the men and women in uniform is heightened.
“As we reflect on our good fortune to have our families here at home for the holidays, we’re reminded of families whose loved ones are serving our country,” Cordelia Miller, director of Red Cross emergency services, said. “There are plenty of ways that people can support our troops and their families not only during the holiday season, but also throughout the year.”
Following are a variety of programs to assist military families and Web sites that offer information on how to send letters, packages or make purchases for troops online. Due to security concerns and transportation constraints, the Department of Defense no longer accepts items to be mailed to “Any Service Member.” Particulars on how to package items are spelled out on the Department of Defense’s Web site at www.defenselink.mil.
“Help Our Troops Call Home” – This program allows people to purchase a Military Exchange Prepaid Phone Card for U.S. troops stationed overseas. This initiative offers phone cards that do not expire and do not add any additional charges or connection fees. Each card costs $39 and provides more than two hours of call time from call center locations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Charitable partners, including the Red Cross, USO, Air Force Aid Society and Fisher House, distribute the cards. To order the 550-Unit Military Exchange Prepaid Phone Card, visit www.aafes.com or call 800-527-2345.
“Gifts from the Homefront” – This program allows service members to purchase convenience items as well as necessities at PX and BX facilities around the world. The certificates can be used for merchandise already stocked at any Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) facility around the world, including more than 50 stores throughout central and southwest Asia. Certificates can be purchased by friends and families or groups. Charitable partners, including the Red Cross, USO, Air Force Aid Society and Fisher House, will then distribute the certificates. To order the certificates, visit www.aafes.com or call 877-770-4438.
“The Ladies Auxiliary of the Gold Star Veterans Memorial Post 2124” – Post 2124 in Allentown has adopted a Marine Expeditionary Group currently serving in Iraq. The auxiliary is accepting monetary contributions to purchase items for the Marine group and to help defray postage costs. Checks should be made payable to VFW Ladies Auxiliary 2124, 1110 S. Front Street, Allentown, PA 18102.
“The Blue Star Mothers of America” – The Blue Star Mothers of America is a non-profit 501-3 (c) organization that helps facilitate the mailing of letters to troops and promotes other activities to help troops. For more information, visit www.bluestarmothers.org
“Operation ShoeBox” – Operation Shoebox is a non-profit 501-3 (c) corporation that has information on what types of items to send troops and also provides links to get names and addresses of service people. For more information, visit www.operationshoebox.com
“Operation Dear Abby” – Dear Abby, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of the Navy's LifeLines2000 Services Network in association with SPAWAR SCC (National Capital Region) provides a private and secure online resource that will allow people to send a sailor, marine, soldier, airman, or coast guardsman an e-mail holiday greeting or message of support. For more information, visit http://anyservicemember.navy.mil
“Operation Uplink” – A program by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, OperationUplink keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones by providing them with a free phone card. People can make a contribution online and the organization will purchase phone cards and distribute them to servicemen and women. For more information, visit www.operationuplink.com
“Military Video Connection” – Sponsored by the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, PenTeleData and Service Electric Cable TV and Communications, the program allows family members to send a free three-minute video message to their loved one. For more information, call (610) 332-1589.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information or volunteer opportunities, visit www.redcrosslv.org.
