Rhode Island to launch annual Operation Holiday Cheer donation drive
Rhode Island state leaders are seen at the State House, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, to launch Operation Holiday Cheers’ donation drive. (WLNE)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos and state leaders will kickoff the 21st annual Operation Holiday Cheer drive on Thursday.
The annual donation drive provides care packages for service members from Rhode Island who will be away from home during the winter holidays.
The mission involves Rhode Island Blue Star Moms, the Rhode Island National Guard, and and other local agencies.
Former Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty started Operation Holiday Cheer over 20 years ago to support the troops.
This year, an estimated 500 care packages are expected to be put together and shipped out during the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 18 and 19.
The donations need to make USPS shipping guidelines. Some items on the troops’ wish list are snacks like granola bars and trail mix, card games, and cotton clothing.
To schedule a donation or to sign up to volunteer to help assemble the packages, reach out to Grace Sneesby at Grace.Sneesby@ltgov.ri.gov or call 401-222-1445.
To sign up a loved one to receive a package, Rhode Islanders are asked to share names and addresses of deployment to the lieutenant governor’s office at ltgov@ltgov.ri.gov by Nov. 10.
