4M+
Care Packages Sent
50+
States Reached
20+
Years of Service
100%
Volunteer-Powered
Our Mission
Saying Thank You to All Who Serve
Our mission is to say Thank You to our Military and First Responder communities, and to honor their service by creating opportunities for all Americans to express gratitude. We fulfill this mission by empowering communities, supporting local leaders, and preserving the stories that connect Americans with Service Members, Veterans, and First Responders through meaningful acts of appreciation.
Our Vision
A Nation United in Gratitude
We envision a nation where every person who serves, in the military, as a veteran, or as a first responder, feels the genuine appreciation of their fellow Americans, and where acts of gratitude strengthen the bonds between those who serve and those they protect.
Founded in 2003
Our Story
From a Moment to a Movement
Operation Gratitude began in 2003, when our founder, Carolyn Blashek, met a soldier who felt forgotten. From her living room, she mailed four Care Packages to deployed troops in Iraq. In the 20 years since, tens of thousands of Volunteers have delivered more than four million Care Packages, each one filled with donated products, handmade items, and heartfelt letters. These packages were more than supplies, they were tangible reminders that Americans care. Today, Operation Gratitude is one of the largest hands-on volunteer nonprofits in the country, demonstrating the power of grassroots participation in expressing national gratitude. We fulfill this mission by empowering communities, supporting local leaders, and preserving the stories that connect Americans with Service Members, Veterans, and First Responders through meaningful acts of appreciation.
The Heart of Our Mission
Inside Every Care Package
Each care package is carefully assembled by volunteers and contains items chosen to bring comfort, entertainment, and a tangible reminder that America cares.
Handwritten Letters
Personal notes from grateful Americans
Snacks & Treats
Comfort food from home
Hygiene Essentials
Personal care items for daily use
Entertainment
Books, games, and puzzles
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
These principles guide everything we do, from packing boxes to building communities.
Gratitude
Every action we take is rooted in thankfulness for those who serve and sacrifice.
Community
We believe in the power of bringing people together around a shared mission of service.
Honor
We treat every service member, veteran, and first responder with the dignity they've earned.
Connection
Our care packages bridge the gap between civilians and heroes, fostering lasting bonds.
Impact
We measure success by the lives touched and the gratitude delivered, not just packages shipped.
Innovation
We continuously evolve our programs to meet the changing needs of those we serve.