How can I participate?

You can sponsor care packages — for $25 each — using a credit card on this Web site. Click the “Donate Now” link above. 

Can others participate?

Yes.  Your friends and family are welcome to participate - invite them by clicking DONATE NOW above, then selecting the Online Donation option.  Once there select "Spread the Word" from the toolbar at the top of the page.  A link to the online donation page will be included on the bottom of the email you send.  

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Yes. Contributions are 100 percent tax-deductible, and you’ll receive a donation receipt.

How often can I contribute?

As often as you’d like!

Can I contribute by check?

Can I send a package to a particular service member?

The care package program is designed to repace the “Any Service Member” program that the Department of Defense discontinued after 9/11.  Our primary mission is to distribute care packages in volume to deploying or deployed service personnel at embarkation points and through other sites and locations served by USO World and its affiliates. If you have an APO or other military mailing address of a loved one serving overseas, you may assemble your own care package and send it via regular US Mail to your service member.  It is highly likely, because of the volume of packages that USO sends that one or the USO care packages will reach your loved one as well.

Can I donate items instead of money?

No. The USO can only accept items that come directly from the manufacturer. Due to heightened security, the Defense Department will not allow items donated through other means to be included in the packages.  If you are a manufacturer, and interested in donating product to include in the care packages, please click here. 

What does my $25 go?

The $25 goes towards purchasing the items that are in the packages, shipping those items, storing them until the packages are assembled and then the costs of the shipping and the supplies that are used to send them to the service men and women.    

What items are included in the packages?

Generally, the care package contains, at a minimum, one prepaid international calling card, a disposable camera, toiletries, sunscreen and a generic message of support from the sender. Other items that are donated from manufacturers are included so that the maximum weight of each package is approximately 2 lbs.  The retail value of each package generally is between $50 and $75.

Who decides where the packages will go?

USO distributes care packages to deploying and deployed service members participating in the war effort.

How does the USO deliver the packages?

The packages are shipped through the following avenues:

Airport Assistance Centers: USO affiliates with Airport Assistance Centers may distribute care packages to military personnel deploying directly to overseas destinations. Affiliates may also distribute packages to troops returning to their overseas destination from R&R. 

“Send Off Celebrations”: Care packages may be given off at “send-off” celebrations at other USO locations to deploying service members.  

Unit Requests: Requests from deployed units are received in the care package office.  Every effort is made to fulfill these requests on a first-come first-served basis.

If I make a donation on behalf of someone else will they be notified?

Yes, there are two ways to do this.  Option one - go to the “Donate Now” page above then select the option under “Give the Gift of Charity”.  This donation page will collect all the data we need to send your honoree notification via email.  Option 2 - call our toll free number 1-877-USO-GIVE and say you would like to make a tribute donation.  A confirmation of your gift will be mailed to the honoree.

Will the recipient of the package know I sponsored it?

The USO will not release your personal contact information to anyone.  You may include that information in your personal message for the service member.

How can I contact Operation USO Care Package if I have additional questions?

You can call 571-261-1485 or email your question to questions@usocarepackage.org.

What programs and services does the USO offer to the Armed Forces?

Please visit the Current Programs and Services section of the website – click here.

How can I find out about the USO programs and services in my area?

Please review the USO locations directory – click here.

How can I volunteer for my local USO?

Contact your local USO.  Click here for the locations directory

Home  |  Donate Now  |  Corporate Sponsors  |  Press Info  |  USO Locations  |  Audiovisual Library  |  FAQ