Operation Gratitude's Care Packages for Veterans and Wounded Warriors.

idea by Vera Wagman

Website

www.OperationGratitude.com

What is your idea to address an unmet need of service members, veterans and their families?

Since 2003, Operation Gratitude has sent over 800,000 care packages to our active duty Military personnel in harm's way, their families, Wounded Warriors and homeless veterans. Operation Gratitude’s mission is to lift morale, put a smile on every service member’s face and provide an avenue for every American to express their appreciation to our Military and their families. With this particular program, Operation Gratitude will be able to ship care packages to VA hospitals in the United States.

What specific population do you plan to work with? What is their unmet need?

Many Veterans and Wounded Warriors are either living in or recuperating at VA facilities across the country. And many, unfortunately, have been forgotten. Our goal with this special outreach is to send care packages filled with handwritten cards, Girl Scout cookies, protein bars, personal hygiene items, DVDs, T-shrts and many more high quality items to our Veterans and Wounded Warriors living in VA facilities. It is also to remind them that they will never be forgotten and that Americans from all areas of the country are grateful to them for their service.

What is your implementation plan, and how would the $1,000 be used?

Our request for this grant would greatly help in covering shipping costs. Operation Gratitude collects in-kind donations from corporate sponsors. Operation Gratitude volunteers receive and itemize all of the product donations after which they assemble the packages with these items. The GOOD grant would enable us to send 300 care packages to Veterans and Wounded Warriors in VA hospitals.

How are volunteers the key ingredient to your solution?

Operation Gratitude volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization. Without our committed and passionate volunteers, we couldn't have accomplished what we have since its inception nine years ago. It is because of this volunteer force that Operation Gratitude continues its mission with great pride in serving those who have served.