Operation Gratitude- Community Collection Drive

Eaton Realty is a strong supporter of our Military, First Responders and their Families. We understand how important and sometimes underappreciated their jobs are. Our connection to these great people runs strong- at least half of our agents and staff are in some way affiliated with various branches of the military or first responders. What's more, our local community is also home to many current service members, retired veterans and first responders- these are our friends, neighbors and clients. It is important for us to give back whenever we see an opportunity. That is why, Eaton Realty is hosting a Community Donation Drive through Operation Gratitude! Now through December 31^st,  join us as we gather together to show our appreciation by donating items for care packages to be sent to service members. Donation items listed below can be dropped off at our office or at designated drop off locations in the community.

Who Is Operation Gratitude?

Operation Gratitude, a 501c3 non-profit organization, annually sends 200,000+ care packages to Veterans, First Responders, New Recruits, Wounded Heroes, their Care Givers, and to individually named U.S. service members deployed overseas and their families waiting at home. Each package is filled with food, entertainment, hygiene and hand-made items, as well as personal letters of support.

Our mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for civilians anywhere in America to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 2 Million Care Packages. Tax ID: 20-0103575

How To Help

There are three ways you can help! 1. Donating care package items 2. Writing personal letters of appreciation 3. Participating in our fundraiser.

• Providing Care Package Items:

Operation Gratitude has compiled a Wish List of donation items. Any of the below items can be brought into the Eaton Realty Office or dropped off at a donation box at one of our supporting businesses.

All Purpose Wipes  (Single & 30ct Packs or Less)	Foot Powder  (Travel Size)	Lip Balm	Sewing Kits  (Travel size)
Batteries  ("AA" and/or "AAA")	Gum	Pencils  (Mechanical preferred)	Socks  (Black Crew Length)
Deodorant  (Travel Size, non-aerosol)	Hand Warmers	Playing Cards	Sunscreen  (Travel Size, non-aerosol)
Drink Mix  (Individual Serving Packets)	Jerky  (Individual Bags)	Puzzle Books  (7″x10″ preferred size)	Plush Toys Beanie Babies, Webkinz, etc. (6 inches or smaller)

Operation Gratitude also includes handmade items in all Care Packages. For more information, click the link below. These would make great activities to do with groups!

Knit or Crocheted Scarves and Hats →

Cool Ties →

Paracord Survival Bracelets →

Donation Box Locations:

All donations can be dropped off at the Eaton Realty office located at:
14012 Spector Rd. Lithia, FL 33547

Other Drop Off Locations:

Supporting business locations coming soon!

• Sending a Personalized Letter

Hygiene gear is great and crosswords break up boredom but nothing goes as far as a personal letter or card. Just knowing that someone is thinking about them can get a deployed service member or a front line firefighter through a tough time. Do you work in a classroom? Want to get together some people from work? Are you a current or past service member or first responder that could share some fun stories or advice? Drawings, letters and cards can go a long way. Standard letter sized paper or smaller is encouraged.

• Making A Financial Donation

Did you know- a $15 donation to Operation Gratitude ships 1 care package. Such a small amount for such a big impact. Visit Eaton Realty's fundraiser event on the Operation Gratitude Facebook page and help us reach our goal of $1500- That's 100 care packages sent to deserving Members, Responders and Families.

Join us as we work together to support this great cause!