Who is OTA?
Incorporated as a Pennsylvania non-profit on July 1, 2004, Operation Troop Appreciation (OTA) is an organization that demonstrates a united front of appreciation to our deployed troops. We are a tax exempt non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
What does OTA do?
We work with military units, from squads to companies to battalions, and provide “wish list” items specifically requested by the troops in the field. These “wish list” items are intended to help ease the burden of deployment and are presented to the troops as symbols of our appreciation, support and encouragement.
We establish a point of contact within each deployed battalion to whom all items are shipped. This person is instructed to distribute the items equitably among the soldiers.
In addition to sending these items, OTA also sends letters to each unit, expressing gratitude for their daily service and sacrifice. A committee of OTA volunteers continues to correspond with any soldier who wishes to keep in touch.
Why doesn’t the government provide these items?
OTA provides items that are intended to supplement government and military issued supplies. We try to give something extra that makes a positive impact on the morale of our deployed troops.
Is this a political organization?
OTA is not affiliated with any political party and believes patriotism and support of our troops should extend beyond political lines and personal feelings of military involvement. OTA is a non-partisan organization focused on the INDIVIDUAL and is not focused on or involved with politics or foreign policy.
What sort of military units does OTA help?
We have provided items to thousands of troops fighting terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan, Horn of Africa, and throughout the Middle East. We work with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines serving as Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard. A list of troops who have benefited from OTA can be found at Our Projects page.
What happens to my donation dollars?
We are a non-profit organization, so virtually all money is used to help the troops. Since 2004, 98.5 cents of every donated dollar has gone directly to provide “wish list” items to our troops. There is no paid staff, and our officers and volunteers work out of their homes, so we have very little overhead. This means the money we raise is used to buy and ship items to our troops.
Can you give me the address of a soldier to write to?
To protect the privacy and safety of our deployed troops, OTA does not release troop names or addresses. If you’d like to write to a soldier through our organization, you may send your unsealed cards and letters to us for inclusion in packages we send. We will inspect this mail prior to sending to our troops to ensure the message is appropriate.
If you’d like to improve the chances of soldiers writing back to you, consider including writing paper in a self-addressed envelope, or a self-addressed postcard.
You may send cards and letters to:
Operation Troop Appreciation
PO Box 14550
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Can I donate care package items (hygiene, snacks, etc.) and have you send then over for me?
Needs for and access to these basic supplies vary by location of the deployed troops. While we do not accept packages intended for specific soldiers, nor incur the shipping charges for private packages, we do accept donations of the items OTA sends to the soldiers who have asked for our help. OTA provides items that are specifically requested by the troops, and we work with local churches, schools, civic groups and individuals who wish to conduct collection drives for needed items. If you are interested in conducting a collection drive, please contact us at info@OperationTroopAppreciation.org
We also accept donations of new or gently used DVDs, CDs, PlayStation and Xbox systems and video games, as well as unused AT&T phone cards.
You may send these items to:
Operation Troop Appreciation
PO Box 14550
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Do you provide care packages for individual soldiers?
OTA specializes in helping entire units of deployed Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard. We are currently unable to fulfill requests for individual troop members.
If you are looking for support for an individual, please visit America Supports You, to find groups who specialize in care packages for individual troop members.
How can I sign up my deployed unit to receive items from OTA?
Deployed troop members can Click here to submit a “wish list” request form.
How can I volunteer?
Click here for current Volunteer Opportunities
How can I help?
We are a grassroots organization that relies on word of mouth to publicize our cause. Please tell your friends, family, and colleagues about our organization and our need for funds. Make a donation if you can! All donations are tax-exempt to the fullest extent allowed by law.
We are in need of individual donors, and corporate and small business sponsors to help make our organization a success. Won't you help us help the troops?
You may donate by sending your check made payable to:
Operation Troop Appreciation
PO Box 14550
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
You may also make a secure online donation here
