Operation Holiday Cheer sends care packages to Rhode Island service members who are away from home during the holidays. The event will take place the weekend of Nov. 15-16 at the Schofield National Guard Armory, 705 New London Ave., Cranston. Donor drop-off will be on the 15th between 8:30 and 11 a.m. Volunteers will package and ship the boxes on the 16th. Anyone who wants to donate but is unable to drop off items on the 15th can call 401-222-2371 to coordinate an alternate drop-off plan. 

To volunteer for package prep on Sunday, call Grace Sneesby at 401-222-1445 or email Grace.Sneesby@ltgov.ri.gov. Snacks such as granola bars, gum, nuts, trail mix and peanut butter are sought. Other items, such as cards/card games and long cotton socks, are welcome. Postal restrictions prevent the shipment of larger, heavier items such as canned food, glass containers, board games and sports equipment. 

To make a monetary donation, make your check payable to American Red Cross and mail it to Office of the Lieutenant Governor, c/o Grace Sneesby, State House Room 116, 82 Smith St., Providence, RI 02903. Important: Please write Operation Holiday Cheer on the memo line.

If you have a loved one serving in the military and would like them to receive a package, submit the service member’s name, rank, unit and mailing address to ltgov@ltgov.ri.gov by Nov. 9. Include your own name, email address and phone number.