Target Specialty Products recently adopted a U.S. Army soldier and his platoon. The California-based distributor connected with the soldier through a program called My Soldier, based out of Manhattanville College in New York. The program matches corporations and private citizens to men and women serving in the military. My Soldier encourages support of U.S. troops through letters, cards, email and care packages.
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“We learned about the My Soldier program through Chris Donaghy, c.e.o. and owner of Residex, a New Jersey-based distributor, that recently sponsored a soldier,” says Target’s President Lon Records.
Target was assigned a 32-year old Army soldier representing a platoon of 40 currently serving in Afghanistan near the Pakistani border. From the soldier’s emails, Target learned that he and his platoon are always eager to get mail. When asked, the soldier requested only a few items for the troops, but emphasized, “the cards, without a doubt, would be the most appreciated.”
Target associates in Arizona, California and Oregon raised $1,600 during the month of June for the care package. Anonymous in-kind donations brought the care package value up over $1,800. The platoon received military calling cards, DVDs, sunscreens and dry goods. In addition, the package included cards of support from company employees.