Jewel-Osco customers and Operation Support Our Troops–America (OSOT) teamed up recently to collect more than 70,000 pounds of items to donate to troops serving in Afghanistan. The first shipment of more than 8,500 pounds was mailed by OSOT on Sat., April 6.
OSOT-America, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that provides the opportunity for community members to express their appreciation and also offer support for our troops, normally sends 4,000 to 5,000 pounds in their bi-weekly shipments. Teaming up with Jewel-Osco enabled them to nearly double the amount to cover the growing need.
“Putting this event together required many people from both Jewel-Osco and OSOT-America to come together for a successful event,” said Betty Krupp, OSOT-America Vice President. “We are getting more and more requests for food items as bases close down chow halls and PX’s and this collection has gone a long way to help us meet those requests. It was gratifying to witness Jewel-Osco and our volunteers working together to make sure our troops know ‘America Has Not Forgotten’ them and their service to our country.”
Jewel-Osco President William Emmons said the great working relationship between the two organizations was evident in the effort.
“Faith Stachnik, our Jewel-Osco community service coordinator, and Kevin Krause, Director of Operations at OSOT-America, were two key players that worked tirelessly on organizing this two-day event,” said Emmons in a news release. “Their efforts made a big impact on the success of the Shop and Drop program and far exceeded our highest expectations. We’re proud to partner with OSOT- America in support of our troops.”
Naperville resident Lt. David Rickert, who will be deploying to Afghanistan in two weeks, watched as the volunteers filled packages, some of which were going to friends of his already there.
“It’s pretty overwhelming to see the kind of effort that people have put into this and know that while we are over there serving people here remember that and want to do something to help.” said Lt. Rickert.
Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating
In other good news, OSOT America received the coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
In a letter to OSOT – America, CN President Ken Berger wrote, “Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that your organization adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way indicating Operation Support Our Troops – America outperforms most other charities in America. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Operation Support Our Troops – America from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”
INFO: About OSOT America / About Albertsons (Acme, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shaws & Star Market stores)
Photos courtesy Linda Tuisl
