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Operation Care for Troops: Community Drives Massive Winter Stocking Drop for Service Members
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Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 18:56 GMT by WMUR- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Operation Care for Troops: Delivering Warmth and Support to Service Members
In a heart‑warming display of community solidarity, a new initiative called Operation Care for Troops is rolling out a massive stockings‑drop for U.S. service members stationed in Maine and beyond. The project, first spotlighted in a WMUR news feature, seeks to give soldiers and veterans a tangible reminder of home’s warmth during the harsh winter months. With thousands of stockings already on their way to troops in the field, the campaign demonstrates the power of local activism and the enduring bond between civilians and the men and women who protect them.
The Genesis of Operation Care for Troops
Operation Care for Troops (OCFT) is a nonprofit founded by a group of veterans and community leaders who recognized the psychological toll of prolonged deployments, especially during the frigid winters of the northeastern United States. “When you’re miles from home, the smallest comforts—warm socks, a cozy blanket—can feel like a lifeline,” says OCFT Executive Director Sarah Morrison. The nonprofit’s mission is simple: supply essential winter gear and morale‑boosting items to active‑duty soldiers and veterans alike.
OCFT is funded through a combination of donations, sponsorships from local businesses, and the generous efforts of volunteers. A dedicated “Stocking Squad” collects, sorts, and dispatches items from community donation drives. The WMUR article highlights the partnership between OCFT and the Maine Army National Guard, which facilitates on‑the‑ground distribution to units stationed at Fort Kent and the Bangor Air National Guard Base.
The Stockings Program in Action
The centerpiece of the initiative is a “stockings” program, where volunteers hand‑assemble personalized stocking baskets that include items such as:
- Warm, high‑quality socks (thick wool blends suitable for cold weather)
- Hand and foot warmers
- A small blanket or fleece throw
- Comfort items such as chocolate or gum
- A heartfelt letter of thanks from a local family or veteran
According to the WMUR piece, OCFT has already collected 3,200 socks and over 1,500 additional winter accessories in the last two weeks alone. Volunteers are packing these items into custom‑printed stockings—some even featuring patriotic designs—ready for distribution at the end of the deployment cycle or for troops in the field.
The article provides a timeline: on January 23, 2025, a large distribution event will take place at the Maine National Guard armory in Augusta. Military members, along with their families, will be invited to pick up their stockings, which will be signed for by OCFT volunteers. In addition to the physical gifts, the event will include a short speech by Representative Kelley Baker, who praised the initiative as a “warm reminder that we stand with our troops.”
Volunteer‑Led and Community‑Based
What sets OCFT apart is the depth of community involvement. The WMUR article includes several testimonials from local volunteers:
- Tom Davis, a retired machinist, says: “I’ve been a volunteer for a year. Every time I see a soldier smile when they get their stocking, I know this is worth the hours.”
- Marissa Lee, a college sophomore, points out: “It’s a great way to use my spare time, and it feels good to contribute to something that’s really needed.”
OCFT’s volunteer database, accessible through the nonprofit’s website (www.ocft.org), shows more than 200 active volunteers across the state. They meet monthly at the Bangor Library to plan logistics and hold donation drives in partnership with local supermarkets, churches, and community centers.
The nonprofit’s social media pages are also actively engaged, with #OCFT and #SupportOurTroops trending in local discussions. A recent Instagram Live session featuring OCFT volunteers and a U.S. Army sergeant showcased the distribution process and answered questions about future plans.
Impact on Service Members
The article offers several poignant stories of the troops who will benefit from OCFT’s generosity. For instance:
- Sergeant Lance Peters, stationed at the Fort Kent barracks, expressed that the stocking would remind him of home: “I’ll be back at my wife’s, and this will keep me warm in the meantime.”
- Private First Class Emily Carson, who was recently deployed in Afghanistan, said: “It’s small, but it’s the thought behind it that matters. Knowing that someone back home is thinking of me means a lot.”
Veterans who have transitioned to civilian life are also slated to receive similar packages, with the aim of easing the transition and providing a sense of ongoing support.
Looking Ahead
The WMUR report concludes by outlining OCFT’s long‑term vision. “We want to expand beyond socks and blankets to include items such as high‑tech sleeping bags and insulated water bottles for troops on the front lines,” says Director Morrison. The nonprofit also plans to launch a fundraising drive to purchase a small refrigerated unit that could store fresh meals for soldiers in remote outposts.
OCFT’s website contains a “Donate Now” button, offering several options: a one‑time contribution, a monthly sponsorship, or a supply‑drop. The article notes that donations are tax‑deductible and that the nonprofit provides a receipt for all contributions.
Final Thoughts
Operation Care for Troops exemplifies the kind of grassroots mobilization that can make a measurable difference in the lives of those who serve. By pooling community resources, engaging volunteers, and focusing on tangible needs, OCFT has turned a simple idea—a winter stocking—into a powerful symbol of gratitude and support. As the WMUR article reminds us, the true strength of a nation is reflected not only in the might of its armed forces but also in the compassion and commitment of its citizens. With Operation Care for Troops leading the charge, the soldiers of Maine—and the soldiers across the country—can be reassured that their home is keeping them warm, one stocking at a time.
Read the Full WMUR Article at:
[ https://www.wmur.com/article/operation-care-for-troops-stockings-military-111425/69442679 ]
