Lieutenant Governor Matos, RI Blue Star Moms Kick Off 22nd Annual Operation Holiday Cheer Donation Drive
Published on Friday, October 25, 2024
PROVIDENCE, RI – Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, the RI Blue Star Moms, state officials, community partners, and sponsors today kicked off the 22nd annual Operation Holiday Cheer donation drive and encouraged Rhode Islanders to donate time or goods to help our military service members celebrate the holidays.
“This year, we are blessed to have more service members home during the holiday season than we have in past years—but that means we should go above and beyond for those who will be away from home,” said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. “Operation Holiday Cheer lets our soldiers know how deeply their service is appreciated. Every Rhode Islander can get involved this year by sharing their time or helping to fill a care package!”
Operation Holiday Cheer, an annual program which sends care packages to Rhode Island military service members stationed away from home during the holidays, is conducted by the Lieutenant Governor and made possible by the partnership and hard work of the RI Blue Star Moms, the RI National Guard, Operation Stand Down RI, the United States Postal Service, and the American Red Cross of RI. The program relies on the generosity of individuals and corporate sponsors who donate time, funds, or goods; Rhode Islanders can visit ltgov.ri.gov/ohc to learn how to make a donation and what items are being requested.
“Our military service members make extreme sacrifices to protect us and preserve our freedom. While many of them will not have the opportunity to return home to their loved ones for the holidays, we can deliver a piece of home to our troops. Operation Holiday Cheer is rooted in the spirit of community and marks an occasion for us to make the holidays a bit merrier and brighter for our men and women in uniform,” said General Treasurer James A. Diossa.
“We know the holidays are particularly difficult for our active duty service members. In order to bring our troops a little more holiday joy this year, I urge everyone to take part in Operation Holiday Cheer. While a pack of playing cards and some snacks might not seem much to us, to our soldiers who are missing their homes and families during the holidays, such a gift truly does lift their spirits and reminds them that their dedication and sacrifices are cherished and not forgotten,” said House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly).
“The holidays are exciting for many but can be most difficult for our heroes serving our country away from their loved ones,” said Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn. “I encourage anyone who can donate items for care packages to step up and help our fellow Rhode Islanders with a little piece of home during the holidays. Your generosity will go a long way, and your support – along with that of our sponsors and volunteers - is greatly appreciated.”
Boxes will be packed at the US Army National Guard Armory in Cranston on the weekend of November 16th and 17th. To ensure every servicemember stationed away from home gets a box, the Lieutenant Governor asks Rhode Islanders to share the names and addresses of friends or family members who are currently deployed by contacting her office at 401-222-2371 or ltgov@ltgov.ri.gov.
Current and past institutional supporters of Operation Holiday Cheer include: 2 Sista’s Catering; AAA; Adler, Pollock, & Sheehan; American Legion; Amica Mutual Insurance; Atlantic Paper & Supply; Bally’s Twin River; Bank Newport; Blood Centers of America Foundation; Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association; Cub Scouts; Daughters of the American Revolution; Dave’s Marketplace; Del’s Lemonade; Duffy & Shanley; Dunkin’; Finlay Extracts & Ingredients; Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England; GOJO, Industries; iHeart Radio; IUOE Local 57; Lincoln School District; Massey & Associates; NAFI; National Association of Postal Supervisors Branch 105; Navigant Credit Union; Operation: Made; Park View Middle School; Pilgrim Title Insurance; Portsmouth High School; RI Blue Star Moms; Seabees NCBC Battalion & TS Walter Boll; Shaw’s; Stop & Shop; Thomas Engineering; VFW; and Wickford Middle School.