Operation USO Care Package |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I participate?
Anyone can sponsor a care package for $25 each. You can sponsor a care package online or by mail. You also can sponsor a care package by calling 877-USO-GIVE. Your care package and personal message will be delivered to a deployed member of the U.S. armed forces.
Can I contribute by check or by money order?
Yes. Click the “mail” link on the donation page to download a printable donation form. Once complete, mail your form and check or money order to the address indicated.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes, contributions are 100 percent tax-deductible, and you will receive a donation receipt.
How often can I contribute?
As often as you would like! If you purchase more than one care package at a time, then your personal messages will correspond to the number of care packages you purchase.
If I make a donation on behalf of someone else, will they be notified?
Yes, at the bottom of the donation page, click “I would like to make my gift in memory or honor of someone.” Your “honoree” will be notified via e-mail of your donation. You also may call 877-USO-GIVE toll-free; the call center will mail a card to your “honoree.”
Will the recipient of the package know I sponsored it?
The USO does not release your personal contact information to anyone and does not encourage you to include your personal information in your message. This will protect the USO, the service member and you the donor if we do not release personal info.
Can I send a package to a particular service member?
The USO does not have names or addresses of individuals serving overseas, and cannot guarantee that your specific package will be delivered to a particular unit. Most care packages are delivered either at departure points for troops or through USO centers. There is no way to track individual packages or determine who will receive a particular package.
Can I donate items instead of money?
The USO can only accept items that that are purchased directly from or donated by the manufacturer. Due to heightened security, the Department of Defense does not allow items donated by individuals to be included in the packages.
What does the $25 per care package cover?
The $25 donation is used to purchase packing materials and the items included in the packages as well as shipping costs. The actual retail value of each package is approximately $75. Care packages are assembled by USO volunteers so there are no handling charges.
What items are included in the packages?
At a minimum, each care package includes a personalized message of support from the donor, an AT&T prepaid international phone card, snacks, playing cards, reading material, camo kits containing shampoo, conditioner, sun block, hand sanitizer, tooth paste, tooth brush, sunscreen and other requested and needed items.
Who decides where the packages will be distributed?
The USO works directly with the Department of Defense to distribute care packages where they are needed most
How does the USO deliver the packages?
The packages are shipped through the following avenues:
- USO Airport Centers: USO Airport Centers may distribute care packages to military personnel deploying directly to overseas destinations. Packages also are distributed to troops returning overseas from R&R.
- “Send-Off" Celebrations: Care packages may be distributed by the USO to deploying service members at “send-off” celebrations.
I am interested in conducting a corporate program or becoming a corporate sponsor. How can I contact the USO if I have additional questions?
Corporations interested conducting a corporate program, becoming a National Sponsor, or interested in fundraising opportunities for the Operation USO Care Package program, please contact szavala@uso.org or call 703-908-6431. There are many different ways corporations may rally around our service members and show support.
Corporations interested in donating products for inclusion in the care packages, please contact the Program Director at ron@usometro.org or call 703-806-3543. Items included in each care package must meet Department of Defense requirements and as a result, specific requirements must be met to ensure safety.