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Issue Date: December 4, 2005
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Cheering the troops
This holiday season, consider sending some extra cheer to our military personnel overseas, far from friends and family. If you're stumped on how, the USO (www.operationusocarepackage.org) and Defense Department (www.americasupportsyou.mil) offer ideas, but many grass-roots groups are stepping up, as well.
The websites featured here make it easier to send care packages and show support to troops, such as these Marines, stationed in the Middle East.
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1) TreatAnySoldier.com. Many in the military get little, if any, mail, says Army Sgt. Brian Horn. TreatAnySoldier.com offers tips on what soldiers need and arranges care packages from $17 to $50.
2) YellowRibbonAmerica.com. Founded in 2003, this group mobilizes communities to help set up local chapters that assist with funeral expenses and provide babysitting services, car repairs, laptops and more.
3) AdoptaPlatoon.org. Founded in 1998 by Ida Hagg, a military mom, this group provides mail support and promotes patriotism in schools and communities, including humanitarian aid.
4) OperationMilitaryPride.org. This volunteer organization distributes troop information to those wanting to send e-mail and care packages. They've targeted groups from teens to community clubs.
5) Stripes.com. The online version of the armed forces' daily newspaper, Stars and Stripes, will post messages from family and friends to loved ones stationed overseas who may not be coming home for the holidays. Postings can be up to 255 characters long, plus photos. Deadline is Dec. 9.
6) Operation Paperback. When Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rick Honeywell was deployed in 1999 to a base in Kuwait with no movies, library or gym, father-in-law Dan Bowers began this organization, which ships books to bases, Navy ships at sea, U.S. military hospitals and USOs. Go to operationpaperback.org.
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