By George Anderson
With a lengthy involvement in Iraq guaranteed regardless of how long it takes to topple Saddam Hussein's regime, consumers and retailers are sending care packages to reinforce the nation's support of its troops.
Ahold's Bi-Lo and Giant Foods divisions, for example, are participating in the USO's (United Service Organization) Operation Goodie Bag. This program seeks to provide troops with basic supplies such as paper, toothpaste, candy, disposable cameras and postage stamps. Shoppers can either donate items or make a monetary contribution for the purchase of supplies.
Harris Teeter, according to The Washington Times, has "sold out of the $1 and $20 flags the supermarket chain is selling to buy $20 phone cards for troops stationed in the Persian Gulf." The chain plans to send 20,000 prepaid phone cards to troops engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"There are a lot of things soldiers aren't provided by the military and a phone call to home from Kuwait can cost $125," said Harris Teeter spokeswoman Tara Stewart.
Moderator's Comment: Do consumers expect retailers and CPG companies to offer and/or contribute to programs that support our troops? Are there any current programs that deserve special mention?
For more information on how to support the troops and the humanitarian effort on behalf of the Iraqis, check out:
- The American Red Cross www.redcross.org
- USO (United Service Organization www.uso.org