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| Our
History |
It began in the heart of Marine mom Patti Smith. During Christmas
2005, her son was serving in Ramadi, Iraq. Unable to consider receiving
anything for herself, she instead set out to provide Christmas for
her son and the 40 Marines in his platoon.
Composing a list of desired items and money for shipping, the list
was given to everyone she met. Word spread quickly and others got
on board. At mission's end, enough for 200 troops came in-five times
the amount asked for!
Over the years we have shipped 153,737 stockings to our troops.
Today, Operation Santa is the largest stocking drive in the nation
with volunteers from 50 states. Two weeks before Thanksgiving, 35,000+
stockings will be stuffed and shipped to all branches of our Armed
Forces serving around the globe, Combat Support Hospitals, and K-9
units. Partnering with the Jewish Federation, Hanukah sacks will
be provided to Jewish Soldiers serving.
Our stockings have gone to Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan, South Korea,
Djibouti, Algeria, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Kuwait.
If you have a loved one serving overseas, please send us his/her
name, address, and how many are serving in his/her company and we
will include them in our shipping.
Due to the economy, funds are our greatest need. Please
send your tax deductible gift to:
Operation Santa
PO Box 1975
Bloomington, IL
61702-1975
We are an all volunteer force so 100% of your gift supports our
Armed Forces.
Operation Santa is one of several projects offered by Citizen Support
for America's Military. To learn more about Citizen SAM and receive
our free newsletter promoting year round support to our troops and
veterans visit CitizenSam.org.
The name
Operation Santa is registered with the Illinois Secretary of State
as an assumed name for the sole use by Citizen SAM. The use of this
name, intentional or unintentional, direct or indirect, by any individual
or entity is strictly prohibited without express written consent
by Citizen SAM. Any unauthorized use of this name may be reported
to the Illinois Attorney General for investigation and prosecution.
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