Operation Holiday Cheer for deployed Rhode Island service members ends this weekend

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Operation Holiday Cheer for Rhode Island military members stationed away during the holidays ends this weekend.

Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos sat down with ABC 6 News Thursday on what the office needs to cross off every service members’ wish list.

She said popular items are warm winter socks, sunflower seeds, and granola bars.

The lieutenant governor’s office teams up with Rhode Island Gold Star Moms to bring a piece of home to deployed service members each holiday season.

“Last year, we packed over 400 boxes to donate to our service members,” Matos said. “We’re expecting that this year, we’ll be putting together over 400 boxes again also.”

She said the care packages to service members include letters from students from different school districts in the state.

They also include every Rhode Islander’s favorite treats like Dunkin’ coffee, coffee milk, and Del’s Lemonade.

Matos said another way to help Rhode Islanders deployed over the holidays is to contribute to the Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund.

“When our service members are deployed, we want to also make sure that we support their families while they’re away,” Matos said. “There’s a fund for military families that you’re able to donate to as well to help families having a hard time — paying the mortgage, paying the car loan — while their loved ones are deployed.”

The public can donate items to the National Guard on Centerville Road in Warwick on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Anyone who needs to donate prior to that can contact the lieutenant governor’s office.

The care packages will be assembled and shipped this weekend.