Operation Troop Appreciation

This holiday season is the perfect time of year to help our troops, those dedicated men and women who give so much to our country.  One way is to support Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA).
 
OTA is a non-profit organization that has helped supply 'wish list' items to over 40,000 deployed troops.  Founder and President Kristen Holloway started the organization in 2004 because she saw a great need to supply soldiers with items that can help contribute to their safety, mission effectiveness, and morale.  In the first year more than $100,000 was raised and over 5,000 soldiers received items.  Since then OTA has continued to grow. 
 
This year, because of the economy, OTA is trying to reach out to as many people as possible.  Though money is tight for many of us, our difficulties pale in comparison to the challenges faced by our troops.  The need to show support is stronger than ever.  The first time Kristen sent a package of appreciation she asked the recipient if there was something they personally needed.  The answer was a specific shirt that helped lower body temperature in high degree weather.  Kristen asked how many shirts the troop needed, then gathered friends and family to help her purchase enough shirts.
 
The response from the troops was so overwhelming that Kristen wanted to continue on with her mission.  OTA is 100% volunteer and over 98 cents of each dollar goes toward purchasing the wish list items, making each dollar donation go a long way.
 
Items that show up on wish lists include:  moisture-wicking clothing, ballistics glasses, fire-retardant gloves, GPS systems, multi-tool sets, sports equipment, phone cards, video game systems, tactical gear, and safety equipment.  All branches of the military are supported through OTA including the Army Reserve and National Guard.
 
'This community has a strong military presence.  Pennsylvania has one of the largest Reserve and National Guard forces in the country,' said vice president Monica Orluk.  'The spirit of generosity and giving has been a great part of our success.'
 
Monica joined Kristen after reading about OTA in a news article.  Being able to help support troops was a passion of hers because her father was a Marine and her cousin is currently serving along with numerous friends.  Together, Kristen and Monica's drive to help soldiers has encouraged many throughout the country to donate money and time to OTA in the last four years.  Of course, they still need help.  Your help!
 
'Many ask for basic necessities like blankets, gloves and winter socks, or items to help them stay safer or perform their missions better.  Others are beginning to think about Christmas and the 2008 holiday season.  They ask us to remember them and the other 150,000 deployed troops in Iraq and Afghanistan facing another lonely holiday away from their loved ones,' said Monica.
 
There are two unique programs that people can participate in this season.  One is the 'Adopt a Soldier' program that allows you to make specific individual donations.  The other option is the 'Adopt a Unit' program where larger groups such as a civic group, church, or company can grant wishes for an entire unit. 
 
Groups who adopt a unit are under no obligation to raise the full target donation.  There is no such thing as too small or too large a contribution! 
 
According to Monica there is an extensive network in the United States for supporting our troops.  Many contacts and leads come through American Supports You, the Department of Defense troop support arm.
 
The website www.OperationTroopAppreciation.org is another way OTA connects with people and troops.  Visit the site for more specific wish list items and to see current projects OTA is involved with this year.
 
'Every dollar you spare makes a significant impact on the morale of those we help.  The need for support and appreciation from the home front has never been greater.  With your help, OTA will bring a little bit of 'home' to those who serve so far away by fulfilling their 'wish lists' and giving them gifts that symbolize our support, appreciation, and respect,' said Monica.
 
Please contact Monica at 412-759-0696 to obtain your adoption packet or for more information.  You can also mail contributions to Operation Troop Appreciation, Attn:  Unit Adoption, PO Box 14550, Pittsburgh, PA 15234.  In addition to your contributions, you can also write cards and letters for your unit of soldiers, which OTA will include with the shipment.  Please feel free to include your return address so the soldiers may communicate with you directly.