November 5, 2012
Joined by The Adjutant General of the RI National Guard Major General McBride, Roberts Announces Important Dates and Corporate Sponsors
PROVIDENCE—Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts launched Operation Holiday Cheer 2012 today, accompanied by Major General Kevin McBride, corporate and community sponsors and 2011 care package recipient Master Sergeant Joseph Jenkins at the National Guard Armory on Airport Road in Warwick. The initiative relies on sponsors and the general public for donations of wish list items to fill 350 care packages, and donations to ship the packages to troops overseas at the holidays.
"Operation Holiday Cheer has become one of our most anticipated events because of the excitement and enthusiasm generated by the many devoted Rhode Islanders who want to support our troops, especially at the holidays," Roberts said. "When our service men and women are sent overseas, we know every day away from family and friends is difficult, but it is especially hard during this special time. The very least we can do is provide them with some comfort from home to show our thanks and appreciation for their continued service to our country," she said.
MSG Joseph Jenkins told of his experience receiving a care package through Operation Holiday Cheer while serving overseas last holiday season. He said the packages were warmly received and much appreciated at a time when the soldiers most want to be at home with loved ones.
Roberts announced on Saturday, December 8th, from 9 am to 1 pm, donations from individuals and groups will be accepted at the National Guard Armory, 541 Airport Rd in Warwick. On Sunday, December 9th, volunteers will assemble the care packages for shipping overseas with the help of the United States Postal Service. Volunteers must register online to volunteer.
Operation Holiday Cheer includes a host of corporate and community sponsors to date, including AAA Southern New England, AlphaGraphics, American Red Cross RI Chapter, Amica Mutual Insurance Company, Autocrat, Bank of America, BankNewport, Banneker Industries, CVS Caremark, Dunkin Donuts, Hasbro, Home Depot, National Grid, New England Coffee Company, New England Patriots, Nortek, Ocean State Job Lot, RI National Guard Family Assistance Center, The Providence Journal, and the United States Postal Service. More sponsors are expected to sign on in the coming weeks.
For the Troops' Wish List, organizing a group collection, or to volunteer, go to www.ltgov.state.ri.us and click on Operation Holiday Cheer. To make a donation, go to www.riredcross.org and click on Operation Holiday Cheer. Checks also may be sent and made payable to the American Red Cross RI Chapter/Operation Holiday Cheer, 105 Gano St., Providence, RI 02906. This event is organized by Lt. Governor Roberts' office with help from the RI National Guard's Family Assistance Center.