Volunteers put together care packages through Operation Compassion to be sent to troops overseas. (Photo: Salvation Army Indiana Divisional Headquarters)

From heart-shaped boxes of chocolate to deep red roses, Valentine’s Day is typically a time to celebrate romance. But beyond the effusive deluge of petals and pink, many people have extended the holiday’s  amorous focus to show friends in their life an appreciation that is purely platonic. And why not? Who doesn’t feel special getting a handmade card or festive piece of candy, even if they are from an aunt or a coworker? Sometimes, the day seems a little brighter when you’re reminded that someone cares, no matter who the gesture is from.

This Valentine’s Day, U.S. military men and women will be reminded that someone cares thanks to Operation Compassion, a program based out of The Salvation Army Indiana Divisional Headquarters that has sent 81,893 care packages since 2002 for our troops stationed overseas. 17 volunteers gathered at the end of January in order to prepare and mail 777 packages for troops just in time for February 14.

Each care package consists of a camouflage (red and pink hearts is probably not the most appropriate print) carrying case filled with stationary items, books and puzzles, and hygienic items such as toothpaste, deodorant, washcloths, and more.  Generally, a box containing 25-30 packages are sent to an individual soldier to share with his or her unit, but Delana Bradbury, Operation Compassion’s Program Director, says this Valentine’s Day they are also sending packages to an entire unit containing 164 soldiers.

Up until this fiscal year, Operation Compassion had been funded through the Eli Lilly Foundation, but the program now relies completely on the support of volunteers and donors to provide items, help with packing, and offer funds to pay for shipping, which runs about $40 for a box containing 25-30 care packages.

Bradbury explains, “With the economy the way it is, last August, we decided not to renew our grant application with Lilly and wanted to see if I could take the program back to the community.  You know, grass-roots style.  That is working out well.  God is always good, but the sudden favor that He has given Operation Compassion is a real blessing!”

And it does seem to be working well – the men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces overwhelmingly appreciate the thoughtful gesture and practical items!  One thank you posted on Operation Compassion’s website read, “As I returned to my desk this afternoon, from a meeting, I saw that I had received a large box.  Your care packages!  I opened it with a couple other Soldiers and then distributed the contents to others in the “Fires Cell” here in the 34th Infantry Division Headquarters at COB Basra in Southern Iraq.  Please rest assured that your gift was greatly appreciated.  The bags were a big hit, even more so than the contents of the bags.  They make for nice, big shave kits.  It is always an encouragement to know that folks back home are thinking about us and take the time to do nice things for us.  So, on behalf of all of us here in Fires, thank you very much!”

Whether you live in Indiana or elsewhere, you can help support our troops through The Salvation Army’s Operation Compassion by visiting the website at http://saopcom.org/. The site includes:

• A list of needed items
• Shipping costs for packages
• How groups and companies can facilitate collections and fundraising
• How to submit the name of military personnel serving overseas who you think may like to receive a care package.
• Thank you messages from service members who have received packages

You can also find Operation Compassion on Facebook here!

Thank you to our troops for your invaluable service, and we hope the care packages remind you this Valentine’s Day of the support you have from back home!