Crapo Encourages Idahoans To Remember Troops During Holiday Season

Washington, DC â??Idaho Senator Mike Crapo announced today creation of a special section on his Senate website dedicated to raising awareness of programs designed to support members of the Armed Forces who are currently deployed in combat. The programs, offered through a number of non-profit organizations, provide a variety of services to members of the Armed Forces: from sending care packages to taking care of pets. A link to a list of these programs can be found on Crapoâ??s website at www.crapo.senate.gov, in the scrolling â??Newsâ?? section. â??As we enter the holiday season, it is important to remember those who are serving our country in areas around the world,â?? Crapo said. â??The brave men and women of our Armed Forces deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other regions will not be home for Christmas or Thanksgiving this year. Perhaps the best gift we can give them is to remember their hard work, sacrifice, and commitment and do something to serve them. Through the organizations listed on my website a gift of money, air miles, phone minutes, blood, or even words of encouragement can be made.â?? â??One program of particular note is the Red Crossâ?? newly-created program Treasures for Troops,â?? Crapo added. â??This program allows Idahoans to purchase care packages to be sent to deployed soldiers. Each package contains entertaining and popular items such as cards, puzzles, hand-held fans, tissues, candy, and sunscreen that will bring a touch of home and relaxation to our deployed troops. I encourage Idahoans to support the program. Though we may be more inclined to think of others at this time of year, I hope this support is just the beginning and will be given as long as our troops are away.â?? Idaho residents may contact their local Red Cross office to participate in the program, which runs year-round. For a donation of $20 per package, the Red Cross will deliver the package to members of the Armed Forces deployed overseas. Idaho Red Cross contact information is also listed on Crapoâ??s website. Other organizations listed on Crapoâ??s website that are providing various services to troops and their families include: Defense Commissary Agency, USO, Operation Hero Miles, Operation Uplink, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, Operation Dear Abby, Fisher House, Operation Noble Foster. # # #