Generous partners support a variety of programs throughout the year by collecting items that help offset program and operating costs. The programs listed below are a great opportunity for corporate team building events or youth service projects. For a list of items or more information on any of these programs, contact Kristen Lowe, Center Operations and Programs Manager, at klowe@USO.org.
USO Reading Program
One of the most difficult things a child can experience is being separated from a parent for an indeterminate period of time. Recognizing the challenges military families often face when dealing with separation, the USO Reading Program makes it possible for service members and military kids to share story time even while they are apart. Service members record themselves reading a book to their children, and Liberty USO sends the recording and book home to the family, helping bring families together no matter the miles that may separate them.
We are always in need of new children’s books for all ages. Contact us for a list of suggested books.
Rucksacks to Backpacks
Liberty USO provides backpacks filled with back-to-school supplies to school-aged military kids free of charge. In 2020, our Rucksacks to Backpacks program distributed over 2,500 filled backpacks throughout Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.
We ask supporters to commit to a minimum of 25 completed backpacks. We will provide a list of required contents.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Liberty USO provides Thanksgiving baskets to military families who need a little extra help this time of year. Supporters of this program shop for the items necessary for a Thanksgiving meal and create a basket for each family. Items include cranberry sauce, yams, boxed mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, canned mushroom soup, boxed stuffing, gravy, pancake/biscuit mix, marshmallows, cookies, pumpkin pie mix, boxed desserts, apple juice/cider, hot chocolate, coffee, tea bags, and more including a gift card for a turkey.
Liberty USO collects the baskets through the second week of November. Baskets are distributed to military members the week prior to Thanksgiving.
Adopt-a-Family
Our Adopt-A-Family program supplements holiday gift giving for military families who need a little extra help making sure their kids enjoy the season. Sponsors purchase gifts for the families from each member’s wish list.
Family sponsors commit to a maximum cost of $75 per child or $250 per family. To maintain confidentiality, we provide only the number of family members, their ages and genders.
Liberty USO collects the unwrapped gifts by the second week of December and distributes them to the family no later than the third week of December.
USO Toiletry Kits
Service members traveling through USO facilities are often in need of personal hygiene items. We provide toiletry kits free of charge throughout the year. These kits can include toilet paper, travel toothpaste, a disposable razor, shave cream packets, lens cleaning towelettes, a travel toothbrush, small roll-on deodorant, sunscreen, hand and body lotion, mild shampoo, and hand sanitizer.