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OPERATION USO CARE PACKAGE

Due to the threat of anthrax following Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Defense suspended its practice of forwarding letters and packages from the American public to "Any Service Member." In its place, the USO initiated Operation USO Care Package as a way for the American public to show its support for the troops.

• The program is the only one of its kind endorsed by the White House and the Department of Defense because of its adherence to security codes.

• Major corporate sponsors include American Airlines, AT&T, Avon, Bass Pro Shops, Countrywide Financial, Jack Daniels, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

• The public can make monetary donations only.  A $25 donation will sponsor a package for a service member who is either deployed or is en route to an overseas assignment.

• Packages contain items requested by the troops.Each package contains, at a minimum, a 100-minute prepaid international phone card, a disposable camera, toiletries and sunscreen.The packages weigh approximately 2 lbs.

• The packages contain items donated by or purchased from manufacturers in bulk.

• USO Care Packages are distributed through USO Airport Centers that service military personnel deploying to overseas destinations.  They also are distributed through centers that have special "send-off" celebrations and are sent directly to the troops on the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas destinations.  While Operation USO Care Package does its best to honor special requests, it is unable to include personal messages to specific service members.