CARE PACKAGES FROM HOME partners with OPERATION STAND DOWN RI to help veterans

REGION—A local company recently partnered with a veterans outreach organization to help raise awareness of the issues regarding to people adjusting from military life to civilian life.

Care Packages from Home joined forces with Operation Stand Down of Rhode Island (OSDRI) to provide those troops either currently serving or those returning from service with some of the basic essentials. Care Packages from Home will donate a $10 Price Rite gift card for every military-themed gift basket purchased.

Owner Susan McClure said these groups are underserved and need to be remembered after their service to their country ends.

“This is not only a way for us to say ‘thank you’ for their sacrifices, but to show them they are not forgotten,” said McClure, who began her company last October after her daughter, Dana went off to (Seton Hall University in New Jersey) and found the on-line care packages offered to be unacceptable. “After working with Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, I understood what they needed most in terms of everyday items. The idea of the military bag and its contents shows a level of understanding toward their needs.”

The partnership between Care Packages from Home and OSDRI came resulting from McClure reaching out to OSDRI Director Dee DeQuattro. McClure said she needed advice on what military personnel would want in such a package. With the help of a couple of other Operation Stand Down volunteers, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dave Rothermel of Johnston, who was deployed to Iraq twice and Afghanistan once, and Sgt. George R. Luttge of East Providence, who served eight years with the Rhode Island National Guard and deployed twice, once to Bosnia/Hungary (SFOR8) and most recently to Iraq (OIF 1). 115th Military Police Company, established a design that was both lightweight and carried the essentials for them.

This package includes handwritten notes from our team with loving sentiments to our military personnel in appreciation of their service. This package includes, in part:

· candy, gum, beef jerky, nuts and other treats;

· basic necessities such as lip balm, Tums, hygiene wipes, foot powder, scope mini brushes, nail clippers;

· Gatorade energy drink packets, Gatorade energy chews, Gatorade energy fuel bars;

· deck of playing cards;

· 20 oz. BlenderBottle® with a BlenderBall® wire whisk to mix even the thickest ingredients. Integrated with the StayOpen™ flip cap, the adjustable carry loop lets you hold more when your hands are full;

· Cooling Towel which provides an easy way to cool off and relax. Wet the towel for a cooling effect, wring out and shake to activate. It doesn't need to be refrigerated and lasts up to 4 hours. Comes in a reusable plastic container with a resalable lid. Towel, 6-1/2" x 33". PVA. Container, 2-3/4" dia. x 6-1/2"H

All items packaged in a camo adjustable 14x18 polyester drawstring, lightweight backpack that slings easily over your back and keeps all items handy and out of the way. Backpack decal reads TY4URSvc (Thank you for your service). Besides the Shop Rite gift card being donated, an optional contribution to OSDRI may be given at checkout.

This package is available in two sizes. Package A includes all the items listed above while Package B excludes the Beef Jerky, Gatorade Energy Chews, Crystal Light, Blender Bottle, Foot Powder, and will include slightly fewer snacks.

In addition to military veterans, Care Packages From Home caters its baskets to schools, colleges, youth organizations, businesses, seasonal events and special events. Baskets can be shipped anywhere and come with a note of appreciation. More details about Care Package from Home may be found by visiting www.carepackagesfromhome.com or calling (508) 642-5573.

Operation Stand Down's mission is to help veterans secure stable housing and employment, as well as other assistance according to individual needs. Their philosophy is "A Hand Up - Not a Handout". Please visit their website at: www.osdri.org

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PHOTO CAPTION: Members of Operation Stand Down RI display the military-themed gift bag that they helped design with Care Packages from Home Owner Susan McClure. The bags can be shipped to military personnel serving both at home and abroad. Pictured from (l to R): Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dave Rothermel of Johnston, OSDRI Intern Jessica Dailey of Richmond, Sgt. George R. Luttge of East Providence, Care Packages from Home Owner Susan McClure of Westport, MA and OSDRI Director of Development Dee DeQuattro, Director of Johnston.

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