12 Days of Gratitude
Gratitude Countdown
12 Days of Gratitude – Daily Themes and Activities
Day 1 (Dec. 3): Giving Tuesday
Join us in kicking off the 12 Days of Gratitude on Giving Tuesday! A $25 donation sponsors a Care Package filled with essential items and heartfelt letters, delivered to Deployed Troops or First Responders. Help us reach our goal with every $25 gift making a tangible impact.
Day 2 (Dec. 4): Deployed Troop Program Spotlight
Support Deployed Troops by writing a letter of gratitude to let them know they are appreciated. Your kind words can provide comfort and encouragement to those far from home. We'll also highlight the impact of this program and recent Care Package deliveries.
Day 3 (Dec. 5): Beanie Babies
Did you know small plush toys like Beanie Babies are among the most cherished items in our Care Packages? Donate Beanie Babies or other small plush toys to bring smiles to troops and foster connections to home.
Day 4 (Dec. 6): RED Friday
Show your support for our deployed troops by wearing RED (Remember Everyone Deployed). Join our social media challenge by liking our post, tagging three friends in the comments, and sharing it to your feed for a chance to win a red Operation Gratitude shirt. No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Entries close at 11:59 PM PT on December 4, and winners will be notified via direct message within seven days.
Day 5 (Dec. 7): Pillowcase Challenge
Get creative by decorating pillowcases with patriotic designs and uplifting messages. These custom creations bring comfort to service members as they rest, reminding them of the love and appreciation from home.
Day 6 (Dec. 8): Veteran Program Spotlight
Write a letter of thanks to a Veteran, expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifices. These letters will be included in Care Packages tailored specifically for Veterans, reminding them they are not forgotten.
Day 7 (Dec. 9): Cents for Service
Start a fun and meaningful “Cents for Service” collection in your home, workplace, or school! Collect spare change to raise funds for Care Packages and watch as small contributions add up to make a big difference for our heroes.
Day 8 (Dec. 10): Wish List Day
Shop from our curated Amazon wish list to help us reach our goal of providing 10,000 hand warmers for Care Packages. Your purchase will ensure that our heroes receive the essential items they need most this holiday season.
Day 9 (Dec. 11): Recruit Graduate Program Spotlight
Celebrate the newest members of our armed forces by writing letters of encouragement to Recruit Graduates. These letters will help boost morale as they embark on their military careers. We'll also share stories from recent Care Package deliveries to recruit training centers.
Day 10 (Dec. 12): Social Media Challenge
Engage with us on social media by liking, sharing, commenting, and tagging friends in our Gratitude Chain post. Each interaction made by 11:59 PM PT on December 12 enters you into a random drawing to win exclusive Operation Gratitude swag.
No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older. Winners will be notified via direct message within seven days after the campaign concludes.
Day 11 (Dec. 13): First Responder Program Spotlight
Express your appreciation for First Responders by writing letters of gratitude. We'll also spotlight stories of resilience, including a First Responder team that received Care Packages after responding to Hurricane Helene.
Day 12 (Dec. 14): Gift of Gratitude
Give the ultimate gift by sponsoring Care Packages in honor of someone special. For every three Care Packages sponsored, you’ll receive a commemorative certificate that you can give as a heartfelt holiday gift.
