PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Lieutenant Governor Daniel J. McKee is set to launch the 2015 Operation Holiday Cheer campaign at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, along with the Rhode Island National Guard and a host of corporate and community partners.
Operation Holiday Cheer, in its 13th year, is a seasonal initiative to ship several hundred care packages to service men and women who are away from home during the holidays. Many of the items they receive are special reminders of Rhode Island.
The event is organized by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in conjunction with the Rhode Island National Guard's Family Assistance Center, the U.S. Postal Service - Providence and the Rhode Island chapter of the American Red Cross.
Contributions are collected from across the state, and dozens of volunteers help assemble the packages for shipment.
WHAT: Operation Holiday Cheer Campaign Kick-off
WHO: Lt. Governor Daniel J. McKee Brigadier General David Medeiros, Rhode Island National Guard Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian Ron Pauline, U.S. Postal Service Providence Postmaster Liz McDonald, American Red Cross Community and corporate sponsors
WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2015
WHERE: National Guard Armory, 541 Airport Road, Warwick
The program relies entirely on the generosity of individuals and corporate and community sponsors. Among this year's supporters are AAA Southern New England, AlphaGraphics, American Red Cross - RI Chapter, Amica Mutual Insurance Company, Ann & Hope, Bank of America, Banneker Industries, Blue Star Moms, the City of Warwick, CVS Health, Del's Lemonade, Dunkin' Donuts, Electric Boat, Finlays Extracts, Hasbro, The Home Depot, Local 57 Operating Engineers, National Grid, New England Patriots, Nortek, Ocean State Job Lot, Pawtucket Red Sox, Providence Bruins, The Providence Journal, Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, the U.S. Postal Service - Providence and The Valley Breeze. Other supporters may join the effort in the coming weeks.
Donations of goods from the general public will be accepted and sorted at the National Guard Armory at 541 Airport Road in Warwick on Saturday, November 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers will help assemble the packages on Sunday, November 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., also at the Armory. To see the troops' Wish List or to volunteer, please visit www.ltgov.ri.gov/ohc.
To make a monetary donation, visit www.redcross.org/local/ri/operation-holiday-cheer. Checks may be made payable and sent to the American Red Cross - RI Chapter/Operation Holiday Cheer, 105 Gano St., Providence, RI 02906.
Media Contact: Erika Niedowski, erika.niedowski@ltgov.ri.gov, 401-222-1445