PAY IT FORWARD - Help an American Soldier During the Upcoming Holiday Season. Give to Our American Heroes Generously Through "Operation Package, Inc."

The month of October is an extremely important month to the volunteers working in "Operation Package, Inc.", a mission first started in 2003 ... and the US Troops that are the recipients of their generosity.

Operation Package, Inc.'s mission is to support our US military personnel located all over the world. They send packages filled with basic necessities, letters filled with encouraging words, and special Christmas Packs during the holiday season.

During October 2011, Operation Package, Inc. has set a goal for itself. They are hoping to send Christmas Care Packages to 10,000 troops through their "Send Santa To the Troops" effort. Something from "Santa" will be included in every package sent out.

There are a number of ways to donate to this good cause. They are:

• Sponsor a care package by making a $25.00 donation. A personalized letter of support (Addressed to ANY HERO and left unsealed) can be included in your package, if you would like. You can choose to send either a Toiletry Package or a Food Pack.

You can make payment by: Check, Money Order, or PayPal. If you donate through PayPal, your letter can be emailed to Operation Package, Inc. for inclusion with your donated package. Email goes to: Proudarmysis4@sbcglobal.net

• You may also donate: $12.95, which helps cover the cost of shipping one package to a deployed service member.

• You may also directly donate items from the "Wish List" provided below:

* Cards & Letters of support to "Any Hero"
* Cookies, Granola Bars, Trail Mix, Nuts (Small Individual Sizes)
* Chocolate Bars and Kisses
* Hot Chocolate and Hot Cider Packets
* Small Christmas Trees (8" to 18" tall)
* Christmas Stockings (10" to 16" Tall by 5" to 6" Wide)
* Toothbrush/Toothpaste
* Hand held Games, DVD's and CD's
* Batteries: AA and AAA sizes
* Sweat Pants and Blanket Throws
* Socks: Men's (White/Black - Work Crew Socks)
* Chapstick, Lotions, Wet Wipes
* Summer Sausage, Beef Sticks, Pepperoni Sticks (6 oz. to 12 oz. sizes)
* Zip Lock Bags (Quart size and Gallon size)
* Phone Cards (120 minutes - AT&T)
* Unused Postage Stamps

All donations can be dropped off at the following locations between October 1st through October 31, 2011. (Store hours do vary, so check for times via Operation Care Packages Facebook page).

* Frankfort General Store
119 Kansas Street
Frankfort, IL 60423

* Dollar Stop, Inc.
530 W. North Street
Manhattan, IL 60442

* Holistic Happenings
7925 W. 171st Street
Tinley Park, IL

* Dollar Stop, Inc.
426 Nelson Road
New Lenox, IL 60451

* I'll Be Doggone
9620 Willow Lane
Mokena, IL 60448

* Operation Care Package
611 Wilcox Street
Joliet, IL 60435

* Will County Farm Bureau
100 Manhattan Road
Joliet, IL 60434

* Office of States Attorney of Will County
James Glasgow Office
121 No. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432

* Inland Arts and Graphics
14440 W. Edison Drive
New Lenox, IL 60451

* Chicago Army Navy Supply
605 W. Ogden Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515

* Brothers Home Plate
203 W. Romeo Road
Romeoville, IL 60446

* State Street Auto
State Street
Manhattan, IL 60442

* Car Care Collision Centers located at:

* 840 No. State Street, Lockport, IL 60441
* 12319 So. Route 59, Plainfield, IL 60544
* 531 Lark Street, Geneva, IL 60134
* 604 W. Fifth Avenue, Naperville, IL 60563

Operation Package, Inc.'s motto is: "Let No Hero Be Forgotten". Please consider helping an American soldier by donating generously in some manner this holiday season ...