Operation: Thank You to honor U.S. troops
Hamilton Twp.-based group extends fund raiser, seeks storefront space
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Operation: Thank You, Inc. has extended its "supply" fund raiser though the end of May hoping to raise enough money for a special luncheon honoring U.S. troops. In the past month they've raised $1,486.
"This is good but we need $4,000 to be able to pay for the upcoming banquet," C.J. Doughman, OTY volunteer and Avon representative, said. "Hopefully we will make it to our goal by the end of May."
Extras
The products are available through Avon, which is donating 35 percent to 40 percent depending on the grand total, to OTY to pay for the May 31 luncheon at Kings Island Resort. The luncheon will also be the first time where OTY's more than 400 volunteers can meet each other, as well as finally meeting the soldiers they've been sending care packages, Christmas cards, special requests and countless e-mails and letters.
"Not only will the proceeds take care of many of the requests we get, but will cover the cost of OTY inviting our heroes to be our guests at lunch so we might honor them and have a chance to meet them," OTY president Carol Alexander said.
Ten unisex items that American soldiers need during the summer months were picked for purchase. Monetary donations will also be accepted to buy items still needed at the end of the fund raiser. All donations are tax-deductible.
"Many are donating cash and telling us to order what we need, but until all orders are in we won't know that," Alexander said. "After it's over some of the items will be held to pack individual packages while others will be sent in large quantities to chaplains who have free supply stores for soldiers."
Storefront space sought
OTY is also looking for a local patriot to donate storefront space to the organization. Alexander said the packing parties are tough because the boxes, materials and people can hardly fit in her house.
"There's a big need to get out of here and into our own place," she said. "If we had more room we could do so much more to serve our troops and be more efficient in doing it."
They are looking for something with at least 1,000 square feet on the ground level because the boxes they pack can be heavy with supplies. The space must have a restroom and heat and air conditioning because some materials sent abroad can freeze or melt.
"Since OTY is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt company, the donor could take a tax deduction for the fair market amount of rent he could get for the place," Alexander said.
An ideal spot would be in Lebanon, Morrow, Maineville or Landen because that's where most of the volunteers are from who help on packing day.
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• For more information, call Alexander at (513) 899-3134 or go online at ohiooperationthankyou.org
• To donate for the supply fund raiser, send a check to OTY at P.O. Box 59, Morrow, OH 45152, and be sure to write "OTY fundraiser" in the memo section.
