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WASHINGTON D.C. (February 7, 2008) - Letting servicemembers know
they're not forgotten this Valentine's Day couldn't be easier,
thanks to a national troop-support group's online care package
program.
Operation Homefront's "eCarePackage" program allows American
citizens to send care packages to servicemembers and their
families. The program also is available for military families to
send and receive packages.
"(Servicemembers and their families) just have to register, but
it's completely secure," said Meredith Leyva, founder of Operation
Homefront. "We don't share any private information, not even first
names."
When servicemembers or their family members register, they're
assigned a number that becomes their eCarePackage identity.
Registered users can pass that number to friends and family
members, who then can use it to send care packages they create from
the requestor's wish list.
Civilians can choose to send packages to servicemembers from
specific states, branch of service, or even current duty station.
The option to make it a birthday gift also is available.
The program, which began in time for Christmas 2006 and offers
specific products for each major holiday, has a wide variety of
products from which to choose, thanks to donors. Candy is
available, as well as small pillows and "fun stuff," Leyva
said.
"You're going to get some fun, higher-end stuff," she said.
"It's a heck of a lot cheaper for a servicemember to send a care
package this way, since all our care package products are
donated."
The only cost to senders is shipping, and even that is
discounted.
"We actually have got a deal with DHL, so we do tend to get
cheaper rates in general, and we pass that on," Leyva said. "And,
because we do have the direct partnership with DHL, we have been
able to get valentine stuff out to Iraq as quickly as three days,
but it's not guaranteed."
Though there's no cutoff date for sending eCarePackages to or
from Iraq, Leyva emphasized that sooner always is better than
later.
Another feature offered through the program is the opportunity
for senders and recipients to connect via e-mail.
"We like to encourage 'thank You' notes," Leyva said. "They end
up striking up a great conversation with the one who sent the care
package."
Notes also can be included in the care packages, she said.
Operation Homefront is a supporter of America Supports You, a
Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with
servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
Editor's Note: To find out about more individuals,
groups and organizations that are helping support the troops,
visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil. America
Supports You directly connects military members to the support of
the America people and offers a tool to the general public in their
quest to find meaningful ways to support the military
community.
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