“You should know…your kindness has touched the lives of Soldiers in this theatre of operations and serves as a powerful reminder of the support and connection we have with all our families, loved ones and friends (for my Soldiers, this includes new ones like you) even when we are far from home. It absolutely strengthens our pride to serve our great nation in the world’s most formidable Army!”
-Commanding Colonel M. (Middle East)
Over the last 16 years, the WPPCMI program started by Lou Steenstra has shipped more than 10,000 stockings to U.S. Service men and women stationed overseas of all ranks and every branch! Members and mothers of members have sewn thousands of stockings and gift bags to support this effort. Scouts around the state have written individual thank you letters, helping to remind soldiers that their service really matters.
Knowing that our gifts can come together to make a huge impact is a great feeling, especially around the holidays. Our supporters in 2023 included Meijer, Inc., Kercheval Financial Group, Great Lakes Council of Scouting America, 4imprint, West Point Society of Michigan, and numerous personal supporters. In 2023 for the second straight year, we also joined forces with the Eastern Michigan USAFA Parent Club to expand our reach! The spirit of camaraderie was in the space as we worked together to support those who are defending us.
Following this great tradition, in 2024, we are undertaking this service project and hope that you will join us again. There are numerous avenues to channel your support:
- Share the name and contact information of your loved one serving our nation and will be stationed abroad over the holidays using this link. We support all U.S. troops of every rank and branch. If your loved one is a West Point graduate, please do let us know!
- Make your tax-deductible cash donation toward this amazing project. Cash donations are essential, as this is the only way to pay for the shipping of each box to our troops. Each package costs approximately $13 to ship. This year, we anticipate amazing gifts to enable us to reach about 1500 soldiers, and your cash donation toward shipping enables the gift to make it. Please use this link and choose Holiday Care Package Contribution or mail your check to the address below.
- Post the promo for this event on your social media and/or share it via email.
Packing events are scheduled for November 2 in Sterling Heights and November 4 in Grand Rapids. Your support is appreciated and requested by through October 15. If you would like to donate in honor of or remembrance of someone, please make a note of that with your donation. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations toward this cause are tax deductible.
Thanks for helping us support them,
Rebecca Ufford
Chair, West Point Parents Club of Michigan Holiday Care Packages Project
https://www.west-point.org/parent/wppc-michigan/
P.O. Box 2381, Birmingham, MI 48 48012-2381
P.S. Here’s the link to an album of last year’s event, including some of the notes of gratitude we received afterward.