Governor Recognizes Maine Charity Helping Military Families

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci today welcomed sponsors, volunteers and other supporters of Operation Tribute to the State House to recognize their work on behalf of the children of military families. The Governor proclaimed the month of December 2009 as Operation Tribute Month.

Operation Tribute, based in Gorham, provides holiday gifts to children whose parent or parents are serving in the military. Last year, Operation Tribute distributed more than 8,800 gifts in Maine.

"For children of Guard, Reserves or Active Duty forces serving overseas, missing a parent can be especially hard during the holiday season," said the Governor. "We are lucky in Maine that our communities rally around our soldiers and their families, and this is one very special organization that does just that. They bring smiles to the faces of young people throughout the region."

Though started in Maine, Operation Tribute has expanded its reach to help kids throughout New England and New York. The charity enjoys support from national, regional and state sponsors, and has been supported by local groups like the Gorham High School Key Club, a number of whom were at the State House event today. The Gorham High School Key Club has been reaching out to more than 300 Key Clubs throughout New England and New York, resulting in more than $12,000 in donation to date.

"It's the dedication and commitment of the Key Club and many other volunteers that makes Operation Tribute such a success. I thank everyone who is involved in Operation Tribute and encourage other Maine people during this holiday season to support Operation Tribute and other organizations that are doing important work for our neighbors in our communities," said the Governor.

The proclamation follows.

WHEREAS, on July 21, 2007, Operation Holiday Cheer was launched to provide a holiday gift to each participating child of Maine's military families, including Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard; and

WHEREAS, there are over 9,000 children in the State of Maine that have a parent that serves in the military during the holidays; and

WHEREAS, in 2007, and 2008 Operation Holiday Cheer acquired, gift wrapped and individually distributed over 16,000 holiday gift to each participating military child in over 140 cities and towns throughout the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS, each package contained a letter which read: "On behalf of Operation Holiday Cheer and the people of the State of Maine, we would like to offer you this token of our appreciation for your sacrifice. You are the child of a Maine military family and the bravery that you show every day by sharing your parent to help protect our country is being recognized and honored. You should be extremely proud of your service to our country and should know that we, and the people of Maine, stand proudly beside you. We wish you and your family a Happy Holiday Season."

WHEREAS, in 2008, Operation Holiday Cheer expanded throughout New England and New York, providing over 23,000 holiday gifts to over 800 cities and towns; and

WHEREAS, over 99% of all funds raised were used for the acquisition and distribution of these gifts; and

WHEREAS, on January 1, 2009 Operation Holiday Cheer changed its name to Operation Tribute to better reflect the mission of providing tribute to the children of military families; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim December, 2009 as

OPERATION TRIBUTE MONTH

throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

Source