Operation Gratitude Extends its Outreach to Our Wounded Warriors
Encino, CA--February 3, 2011: Having already shipped more than 600,000 care packages to service men and women deployed in combat zones, Operation Gratitude is pleased to announce a new program tailored to those wounded in service to their country.
Operation Gratitude will begin providing special Wounded Warrior Care Packages to service members recovering in Military Hospitals and Wounded Warrior Transition units located on military bases throughout the United States.
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Prior Wounded Warrior helps others heal at Brooke Army Medical Center WWTU |
Further, in recognition that the Wounded Warrior often expresses deep concern for their buddies remaining on the front line, Operation Gratitude will send care packages on behalf of the Wounded Warrior to the rest of his or her unit still deployed downrange.
"We hope that sending those packages to their deployed comrades will help the wounded feel they are still contributing to the mission and supporting their buddies" according to Operation Gratitude founder, Carolyn Blashek.
Wounded Warrior Transition Units ("WWTU") provide critical support to the wounded and their families, focusing on those requiring six months or more of rehabilitative care and complex medical management.
Operation Gratitude Wounded Warrior Care Package deliveries will begin in February. Patients at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center and soldiers in the WWTU at Ft. Polk, Louisiana will be among the first to receive the shipments.
"Here at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC), we provide the non-medical support to the Wounded Warrior and their families assigned/attached to the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Polk," explained an SFAC Specialist. "Your care packages will go a long way in letting the Wounded Warriors here at Fort Polk know that people care."
Operation Gratitude's annual goal is to provide 10,000 of the Wounded Warrior Care Packages filled with specially selected items donated through the generosity of corporate sponsors and supportive citizens, and assembled by the organization's dedicated volunteers. More packages will be assembled and shipped if requested.
According to representatives at Wounded Warrior facilities, the most needed items are: Healthy Snacks, Entertainment items, Hygiene products, iPods and Gift Cards from chain stores such as supermarkets, drugstores, Target and Walmart.
As with its Care Packages to deployed troops, Operation Gratitude will provide every American a way to express their appreciation and encouragement to our heroes wounded in combat by donating items, contributing funds, crafting hand-made items and writing letters.
Operation Gratitude is particularly requesting personal letters of support and encouragement in order to include several in each package. For information on writing letters: Letter Writing Flyer
For those wishing to thank a Wounded Warrior, letters and items can be sent to:
Operation Gratitude
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406
Attn: Wounded Warrior Program
For more information on how to support Wounded Warriors and troops deployed in harm's way, visit:
How You Can Help
Financial donations can be made online here: Donate to Wounded Warriors or by check made payable and addressed to:
Operation Gratitude
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, CA 91436
