Operation Holiday Cheer

OHC 2023 Group Photo

About Operation Holiday Cheer

Operation Holiday Cheer is an annual care package initiative for Rhode Island service members who will be stationed away from home during the holidays. It is organized by the Lieutenant Governor's Office in partnership with the Rhode Island National Guard Family Assistance Center, the United States Postal Service, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Rhode Island Blue Star Moms, and Operation Stand Down Rhode Island.

The program relies entirely on the generosity of individuals and corporate and community sponsors who provide in-kind or financial contributions.

Contributions are collected from across the state and volunteers help assemble the packages for shipment during a single weekend.

This year, an estimated 350-400 care packages will be assembled and shipped during the weekend of November 16-17.

How to Participate:

DONATE GOODS

The gift packages are very well received, and we hope that you will consider contributing items from the troops' wish list:

  • Snacks: beef jerky (NO pork), Celsius packets (any flavor with caffeine), chewing gum, granola bars, individual powdered drink mixes, nuts, peanut butter (16oz limit), protein bars, sunflower seeds, trail mix
  • Miscellaneous: playing cards/card games, long socks (cotton), sanitizer wipes (pouch packaging)

Due to USPS shipping restrictions, the following items cannot be included in the care packages:

  • Prohibited: aerosol, books, boxed games, bulk items, canned foods, chocolate, glass, hand sanitizer, items over 16oz, knives, religious items, sports equipment

To schedule a product delivery, contact Grace Sneesby at (401) 222-1445 or Grace.Sneesby@ltgov.ri.gov.

DONATE FUNDS

Should you wish to donate funds, please submit a check using the following details:

  • Payable To: American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter
    Memo Line: Operation Holiday Cheer
     
  • Checks can be mailed to:

    Office of the Lieutenant Governor
    c/o Grace Sneesby
    State House Room 116
    82 Smith Street
    Providence, RI 02903

Gifts are tax deductible. Please be advised that checks missing the above Memo Line details CANNOT be processed.

VOLUNTEER

We rely on volunteers to help assemble care packages for shipment. If you would like to get involved, contact Grace Sneesby at Grace.Sneesby@ltgov.ri.gov or (401) 222-1445.

Do you have a loved one serving in the military? Are they originally from Rhode Island? Would you like them to receive a care package this holiday season?

If so, please submit the below information to the Lieutenant Governor's Office at ltgov@ltgov.ri.gov by November 10, 2024:

  • Service member's full name, rank & unit, and mailing address
  • Your full name, e-mail address, and phone number