History of Operation Compassion | S.H.A.R.E. in Action

Support | Help | Appreciate | Remember | Encourage our Troops

The Salvation Army has always been a support to those serving in the Military.  Back in 1917 The Salvation Army's Doughnut Girls were actually on the front lines in war zones serving the Troops doughnuts and coffee!

One Doughnut Girl, Louise Holbrook, was stationed under the fire of German guns, handing out doughnuts and coffee.  In the little town of Cheppy, she was partially buried in rubble from a shell. Three weeks later she was back at work.

In 2002, Operation Compassion began in response to the crisis in the Middle East.  The program is based out of The Salvation Army's Indiana Divisional Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana and is the only program within the entire framework of The Salvation Army of its kind. 

Since the program began, we have shipped out over 81,000 individual Care Packages to the brave men and women who honor and protect our nation as members of the United States Armed Forces.  It is our joy to provide our heroes with a little touch from home.

Care packages consist of several items including hygiene items, a book of puzzles, stationery items and more.  Each Care Package is valued at approximately $25.  We pack approximately 25 - 30 individual Care Packages in each box that is sent overseas.  

We cannot be there with them, as the Doughnut Girls were, but we can certainly S.H.A.R.E. with them by sending Care Packages from home!