Operation Shoebox

I have been a member since 9/09, 3 weeks after we moved to the Villages. I do not think it is possible to find a group of more caring people around. We pack bags and Christmas stockings for our deployed military around the world. I love the visits and letters we get back because there are always smiles. An Officer visited a few years back and told us a story. My guys came out of the barracks all smiles. Hey look they sent us peanut butter crackers boy do they taste good. He said those guys could walk into the PX get peanut butter crackers or jars of peanut butter and eat it by the spoonful. All of you are the reason those peanut butter crackers tasted so good. You are the reason for those smiles. You cared enough to get together and collect things to send to complete strangers. That warms your heart knowing what you do is appreciated.

Operation Shoebox works diligently to raise money for shipping and postage. It’s very organized. There are hundreds of volunteers that clip coupons, write notes to soldiers collect snacks, calendars, wipes many other necessities for our soldiers.

I have volunteered with Operation Shoebox since 2005 sending care packages to our military throughout the world. They are so appreciative of all that we do.
Operation Shoebox is a “well run machine” started by Mary Harper who, at the time, had several family members serving our country. There has never been a request that has not been fulfilled to the best of our ability. I will continue to support this cause as long as we are needed.
Bev Middleton

I love volunteering to bring a little respite to the fighting men and women in the Armed forces. "Our"
particular table writes the notes that go in the gift bags. Once in awhile I receive a note from one
of the soldiers and it really warms my heart

I very much enjoy volunteering at Operation Shoebox. Sending packages of toiletries, candy, snacks and many other items to the troops overseas is so uplifting. The troops look forward to receiving our packages. It gives them a sense that people care about them and appreciate what they are sacrificing for our great country. I also appreciate all the many volunteers including the person responsible for our success, Camille and our table chair, Mary. Thank you!

Great organization, Helping veterans overseas with important items they really need.

I joined Operation Shoebox when I first moved to the Villages in the early 2000's. I wanted to find a volunteer job that would be meaningful and provide a posiitve impact on the community. Operation Shoebox does that and more providing support to our troops throughout the world. My involvement has changed over the years from helping to fold puzzles to go into the 500 packages that are sent each week to raising funds for postage to enable us to ship packages. I now wash and clean golf balls that I offer to golfers for a donation. I've happy that I've raised nearly $26,000 since 2015 from the generosity of village golfers. I also help make ribbon angels that are included in the packages. I love helping this group!

These people are dedicated to all branches of our military. They work very hard at donating time and money to ensure care packages are getting shipped to our deployed troops.

My husband and I have been volunteering at Operation Shoebox for about 6 months now. We were looking for an organization where we could actually make a difference. Helping our military seemed like a worthwhile venture. We were amazed at the scope of this organization. So much work goes into making the packages and letters that are going to our troops overseas. It is very rewarding to know that we are helping to booster the morale of our military around the world with the "care packages" we send. All the volunteers are so dedicated. We even recruited one of our neighbors to volunteer. Operation Shoebox relies on a lot of donations to make all this happen. It is very heartwarming to know that we are "making a difference". We are so proud to be a part of this incredible organization.

Operations Shoebox provides thousands of packages to our servicemen and women every month. Without the dedicated volunteers this would not be possible. And the support of the community to donate both products and cash to help pay for shipping. It's such a great operation and unbelievable what the contribute. The time and effort the volunteers donate is unbelievable. Please help with a donation to support this worthy cause and support our troops.

I have been a volunteer with Operation Shoebox since its beginning days in early 2000s. We collect, sort, pack shipments to our US troops around the world. These goods are packed in hand made sacks and consist of hygiene items, candy, snack bars, writing paper, cleansing cloths, puzzle and comic pages from local newspapers and more. During the Christmas season, we send items in hand made stockings. We also include hand written cards, hand knit caps and more. We receive thank you letters from many trips who are so appreciative of our mission. We do not receive any government help for postage. All money raised is through donations and fund raising.

Operation Shoebox is a wonderful organization that uses all its proceeds to send goods and packages to all veterans deployed overseas.

I have been a volunteer at Operation Shoebox since 2007. We moved away for 6 years, and when we came back, I was able to step right back in. I know we have changed locations several times because we outgrew the facility. We now have a successful Thrift Store, and a very busy furniture store. We accept requests from the Troops on our website, and do our best to fulfill the request. We can send to an individual, or, we can send gift bags to aircraft carriers. I am lucky enough to volunteer in shipping and receiving. The best request I have ever fulfilled was food and toys for a "Comfort Rabbit" And yes, they do indeed make toys for pet rabbits. The volunteers, and the Family that runs Operation Shoebox readily admit that it is an honor and a privilege to serve our Troops.

Operation Shoebox in The Villages FL is an organization of extremely dedicated and committed group of volunteers. The meet every Monday to assemble treat bags that are sent to our soldiers serving our great country overseas. The “behind the scenes” work and dedication of this mission is also incredible too. That includes but is not limited to, securing in kind donations of items used to fill the bags as well as securing funding used to pay the postage costs of mailing the numerous bags to our troops. This very worthy organization was founded in 2003 and has demonstrated patriotism, selflessness, generosity, commitment, and compassion since then. It is truly a great nonprofit and is more than worthy of an award of recognition.

this organization sends 300-400 diddy bags to deployed military weekly so they know they are not forgotten. Christmas we send up to 2000 stockings a week starting in November.
Biggest expense is postage, we are doing fundraisers constantly to raise money. Please help. Linda Kane Volunteer .

My story starts with my Father fighting overseas for the US Marine Corp (circa 1952). My Mom would go to Thom McCann Shoe Store near the base and ask for mens shoe boxes ( bigger than a size 9). We would go home and write notes and color pictures and then package socks, pepperoni and crackers, tea bags and cookies for my Dad.

I guess that was the start of Operation Shoebox for me. The return letters from my Dad were wonderful - he loved getting the shoebox filled with love from home. My experience with Operation Shoebox here in the Villages is a feeling of doing my part for the service men that are away from their family. The simple act of helping is so rewarding - you can see it on everyones face. When we say the Pledge of a Allegiance to the Flag - sometimes there are a few misty eyes in the Sewing Room - remembering our love ones that did their part of the USA. OSB has a feeling of real community for me.

Operation Shoebox in The Villages Florida has so many dedicated and helpful people. It is a joy to volunteer there. I am in the sewing room where the ditty bags are cut and sewn - ready for stuffing. Hundreds of volunteers giving hours of their time hoping to provide something that will help make a service members life a little brighter. The bags are not large, and the items are not many, but every volunteer takes pride in their task and the time they can give to say thanks to someone fighting for our country overseas. There are always items needed, there is always room for another volunteer.

Operation Shoebox is doing a fantastic job of tending to the wants & needs of our military personnel. What they do, what they send to the troops is reinforcement of Americas honor, respect, care, thanks and hopes for the troops. Shoebox provides a "little slice of home" in a bag. As a Viet Nam vet recipient of this type of care package, I can say that anything from home is a welcome and needed mental break. Shoebox does that & gives this to the troops. EVERYONE involved in Shoeboxs should get maximum kudos for their volunteer time & caring for the troops.

I continue to be amazed by the dedication and generosity of the volunteers who work each week to support our deployed men and women in the armed forces through the creation and distribution of ditty bags and Christmas stockings. Many of our volunteers are veterans or spouses of veterans who remember what it was like to be in harms way in a foreign country. A little bit of home is what we send to them, including some candy, crackers and cookies, Ramen noodles, oatmeal, personal hygiene items, playing cards, and most importantly, a hand written letter from one of our volunteers. Over 400 volunteers meet each Monday here in the Villages to work at this labor of love. I am proud and honored to be a Shoeboxer!

The very first time I heard about Operation Shoebox was when, one of our Zumba members talked about this great organization that focused on support of troops, while they were deployed. She mentioned that they don't actually fill a shoebox, but a ditty bag full of things that soldiers may not access to, in the location where they are serving. I am a volunteer that serves in the sewing room . We make the bags , in addition to holiday stockings that hold all the necessities they need, as well as inspiring notes to let them know we care about, we appreciate their service.
I am proud of the work that we do and so honored to work along side of the group of women who volunteer with me in the sewing room.

Love what they do for our men and women stationed abroad. They are excited to know someone cares for them and are thinking of them. The small items sent are truly appreciated. It is a great group of volunteers working together getting the job done.

Let me begin by saying I have had many years of experience directing funding to worthy nonProfits and their projects as a corporate Philanthropy Manager. I retired and moved to The Villages, FL about 5 years ago. I heard about Operation Shoebox and was blown away by the number of volunteers (400+) that meet each week to pack “goodie bags” for the troops. During that time I began to run my team of volunteers that make Paracord survival bracelets that are part of the items that are packed weekly. This operation is a well-oiled machine that operates via the generosity of time and money from residents of The Villages. It is something to behold!

I work at Operation Shoebox helping the "outside crew" load and unload supplies and donated items. In my time there, I have seen nothing but wonderful, caring people who give of themselves to help the troops. All give what they can, be it of themselves, with donations or helping out in the Shoebox operations with no concern over personal recognition. The same goes for the "non-Shoeboxers" and Villagers who keep us supplied with donations that fund the packages for the troops. As a recipient of a Viet Nam "care package", I can say that any and all aid, information, news or supplies from home are very welcome and appreciated.
What needs to be said is the endless thanks we all owe to the troops who make it necessary to provide the much needed, much wanted and much appreciated services that Operation Shoebox provides for them.
it is an honor to help with this group. They have great people working there who also provide camaradie and help to the other workers. KUDOS to all members!

This charity supports the troops serving across the world .the men & woman who serve love this support. We as Americans need to remember them.

I love how they support our troops and not let them feel forgotten. Great organization

Operation Shoebox volunteers have one goal in mind - to put a smile on as many faces as possible. Our soldiers are far from home in dangerous situations so that we can live free and enjoy life. This nonprofit is all about the troops and how we can serve them. Mary Harper, founder and leader, is an angel who puts in six and many times seven days a week. Her dedication to the troops is an inspiration to all who know her, and there are over 500 volunteers who each do their part to pack ditty bags or Christmas stockings filled with goodies and love. Operation Shoebox is truly an exceptional nonprofit. Linda Bowman

Hello My name is SGT Natalie Cummings with F.CO 2-87INF 3BCT 10th MTN DIV, deployed currently in Afghanistan we have received numerous care packages from operation shoe box for soldier's and we greatly appreciate everything that you all do for us. and not to mention we love all of the goodies as soon as I get the packages i pass them out to my entire company and they love it.

Thank you,
SGT Cummings

My husband and I heard about Operation Shoe Box six yrs ago when we moved to the Villages. We felt that this was something we wanted to volunteer for. My huband is an AirForce veteran, our daughter retired after 20yrs in the Air Force and now works @ the VA in Gainesville. Our son spent 17 yrs in the Coast Guard. With all the sevice connection in the family we felt this was something close to our hearts. It has been very heart warming to donate our time early Monday. I is very gratifying to hear from the men & women who receive our pkgs (Operation Shoe Box) stating what it means to them to recieve a touch of home treats as well as notes from the folks who take the time to write and thank them for the job that they are doing. To say the truth we look forward to our time spent @ Operation Shoe Box each wk. Ann Marie & Nick Caron

From the moment I saw with my own eyes the dedicated people that WANT to participate and show up religiously whenever they can to help get or create needed items to our troops who are trying to make the World a better place, my heart was won. Operation Shoebox is a massive effort and fundraising of many to do what we can to send some necessities - and comfort - to our troops and to let them know they're thought about so much home here in the USA.

My husband and I are proud to be a part of this organization thaat does so much for our "heros"

Operation Shoebox is the most dedicated group of people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Their tireless dedication to the cause of improving the comfort and morale of every serviceman and woman that is serving in harms way cannot be understated.

I moved to this community over 5 years ago and heard a volunteer speak about Operation Shoebox...from that moment on I knew that I wanted to help our troops through this selfless group. I'm the Inventory Manager, which means that Mary (our President) and myself make sure that there are always 9 to 10 items at our meeting place every week ready to be packed for our troops. I also coordinate and receive mailings that are contributed and mailed from all over the country. It is an honor and a priviledge to volunteer with this incredible group of people that want to let our troops know that they will "never be forgotten". We pack each bag that is sent with a piece of our heart!

My famiuly has been involved with Operation Shoebox for several years now. Our organization makes ditty bags and Christmas stockings to send to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than that we correspond with the troops, keep them in our prayers, and promote patriotism. Alot of our time is devoted to fundraising for the postage costs (which are not subsidized by the government) and for the items that go in our bags. It is truly a worthwhile organization.

When I did my review yesterday ...didn't pay attention and ended up in the OR Operation Shoebox...this is for My OSB in Belleview, FL I have been with OSB since the birth of the organization when we all packed, shipped did custom forms in a little bay and there was born the commitment to serve and honor our troops. All of the volunteers are special people....they show unconditional love, support and compassion. I love doing what I do, it allows me to see how much support and love comes from our everyday person. I am retired and now work from home as the adoption coordinator ..

I recently joined Operation Shoebox several months ago and have been constantly impressed with the people working there and the unselfishness of their time, efforts and donations on behalf of our servicemen. When we were preparing and filling the Christmas stockings to be sent to "our heroes", several people went out and bought more of the items we were running short on and I know for a fact that as senior citizens, they are living on a fixed income.

Operation Shoebox is truly dedicated to our military deployed around the world. We have packed and sent over 500,000 hand made, hand filled gift bags. We appreciate everything our troops are doing to protect our country. Founded in 2003, our packages each contain a hand written letter and lots of goodies to remind our soldiers that they are not forgotten. We are completely non-profit. It's my small way of saying thanks.

We have worked for Operation Shoebox since 2005 and are proud to be associated with such a wonderful organization. Their dedication to the Troops is outstanding and something to behold. It leaves visitors in awe.

It is an honor for me to be associated with this organization. From the first time I heard about Operation Shoebox I knew it was what I wanted to do. I am a table captain and store items at my house from week to week. I also write cards and notes to the soldiers and I'm thrilled when I get a reply thanking the organization and myself for all we do. I had 2 brothers who served in the Navy and my husband is a Marine. He tells me how much it meant to him when he received a package from home back in the 60s. I was a young adult when our soldiers returned from Vietnam and were treated so poorly by some in the USA....I never want to see that again. I am proud to be a part of such a dedicated group of people and have made many good friends through this group.

For the past 3 1/2 years I have gone to Operation Shoebox each and almost every Monday. The dedication of the more than 300 weekly volunteers makes this wonderful organization what it is. We are there for one purpose and one purpose only and that this to Never Forget Our Soldiers who are fighting to keep our country free! We make, package and then send out over 350 filled "goody bags" each week , and then at Christmas all that we normally send is sent in hand made Christmas Stockings for the service men and women all over the world. Approx 3,000 are packaged a week starting in Oct. My husband is a Viet Nam Vet, and very proud of that fact, but he was never thanked for his service and there were no organizations like Operation Shoebox to send the soldiers a little bit of home and to let them know they were appreciated. This is so important to me that I will continue to do my small part in one of the best organizations I can think of.

Although I never served in the military, I have the greatest love and respect for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Operation Shoebox allows me the opportunity to give back something to these heroes. We have had recently deployed service men and women come to where we are packing the bags and tell us how much it means to the troops to get this little reminder that the folks back home appreciate what they are doing for the rest of us. As long as I am physically able to and as long as there are troops stationed away from home, I will will volunteer at Operation Shoebox. God bless the U.S.A. and the brave men and women who keep it free and safe.

OSB has been a blessing to our troops but most of all being able to work side by side with some of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life. It has been a blessing to myself and my family and I have made some awesome friends. Most important through the work of these very awesome volunteers we have been able to send out over 500,000 care packages and tons and tons of bulk items from blankets that our sewers have made, to food, clothes and anything else our troops need to accomplish their mission. We need a little more organization of our packing area in belleview but for the most part we do an excellent job. For the little space we have our volunteers work very hard and strive for it to be the best that it can be. I am so proud to be a part of this organization!

My husband and I have been volunteering for 5 1/2 yrs. We started out doing it a few hous and week and now have become completely involved with being able to give all of our wonderful men and women serving our country a little "Touch of Home" every week. All of our volunteers gives selflessly day in and day out and we are honored to be helping shoulder to shoulder with all of them. Janet and Gary Oliver

My personal experience with Mary Harper and the wonderful volunteers has brought great joy to my life. Looking at all of the thank you notes and plaques from the brave men and women that have received packages from Operation Shoebox is a great thrill.

I have been a supporter of Operation Shoebox for about 6 months now (I get adopted troop contact information from them and then send care packages and letters on a regular basis). The contact person is very responsive and works with me to find adopted troops that are a good fit for me, and vice versa.

I was asked to help with the Chrisrmas rush 3 years ago and I'm still there. This has to be one of the greatest organizations in this country and I'm proud to have the privilege to be part of it. The packages that go out every week are sent with love and prayers. The responses we receive back from the troops are heartwarming. God bless them and God bless America Camille.

I have worked with Operation Shoebox for several years. Mary Harper devotes every day to making sure our troops have what they need and a lot of love from home. The biggest challenge is getting enough money for postage.

My wife and I have been volunteeting at Operation Shoebox for over 4 years and we find it very rewarding. With the sacrifices that our troops do to ensure our freedom , it is the least we can do to help them. My wife is writing letters to the troops 7 days a week and I help out mailing packages and organizing bus trips to raise money for postage. We love it there.

I have been deployed to Iraq 4 different times, Mary and Operation shoe box made sure that each time I was deployed that I recieved what I need to take care of my self and my soldiers, I was Platton sergeant of 125 soldier and then 1SG of 325 and each time she and the crew of operation shoe box treat me and my soldier like we were her children. I have never personal meet Mary but if I do she will be one person that I give a hug and a Kiss to. They are the greatest people that i can ever think of and would love to help them any way that I could. Thanks

It only takes 15 minutes of your time talking w/ Mary Harper and u can't do enough to do your part for her cause. My husband and I are committed to hosting a fundraising benefit annually w/ the support of the biker community, 10,000 in two years and the third benefit is May 8th 2010 so come on out

I am a volunteer for Operation Shoebox in the sewing area. For 5 years I was the Sewing Captain of this area and am now retired to just being a sewer. We have a wonderful group of people (up to 300 or more each week) that gather and prepare goodies to send to our military overseas. The sewers make 10"by 12" cloth bags with a drawstring to put the goodies in. The remainder of the group sort and prepare the things that we send. Then once all are ready the 400 or more bags are filled and prepared for shipment overseas. Getting letters back from the soldiers and having some come visit us when they return makes all we do worthwhile. Each bag contains a handwritten note that the soldiers really appreciate. We don't ever want our soldiers to feel that they are forgotten. We want them to know just how much we appreciate all the sacrifices they are making to keep our country free and to help others have a better life. Brenda Sprague

I have been a sewer for operation shoebox for four years. We sew bags that are full each week(about 400) & mailed. At Christmas time we sew Christmas stocking to be filled & mailed. I have meet a lot of wonderful caring people. It is fun & rewarding for me to be apart of Operation Shoebox...............JoAnn Greskovich The Villages Fl.

I have been volunteering at Operation Shoebox for almost three years from the time I first moved into the Villages in Florida. We have a very large, dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure our soldiers in the war zones are not forgotten by the folks at home. During the time I've worked there, I've received back many notes from appreciative soldiers, especially about the Christmas stockings we send. The workers are fun to be with, so that makes the volunteering that much easier and I've made some wonderful friends at our candy packing table!!

I am a retired combat veteran and I wish we had this group when I was in Vietnam. My wife and I are volunteers for Operation Shoebox and go every Monday to make sure the troops get the support that prior troops never got.

I am a volunteer and it is rewarding when we hear back from troops and their families, especially when they visit our weekly meetings.

This has been the most rewarding experience of my life. To have an avenue to help support our troops is awesome! OSB works hard to make sure the troops get what they are requesting!