USA Cares Snapshot

USA Cares Snapshot
5.17.06

As a 501 (c) (3) organization that began in March of 2003, USA Cares has answered the call for assistance from over 2,352 military members or their families across America and provided over $1,318,245 of support, all in the form of grants.

USA Cares is funded through the generous contributions from corporations, organizations and individuals and continues to sustain a 92 percent plus ratio of mission dollars.

USA Cares in Action (as of 5.17.06):
- Assisted 2,352 military members or families in 48 states and 7 other territories
- Two states missing are Wyoming and North Dakota
- 146 cases pending
- Assisted 825 national guard/reserve with $570,292 in support
- Homeownership Preservation Foundation Support – updated at the beginning of each month
- $100,165.58
- 27 homes saved
- 28 cases pending- Average 33.8 new calls a week
-234 outreach contacts nationwide
- 61 media contacts nationwide
- Largest donations received:
- $1M CA Community Foundation (Anon Donor, Dec 05)
- $400,000 Homeownership Preservation Foundation (Nov 05)
- $30,000 Fred Hartley Foundation (Feb 04, Feb 05)
- $25,400 Private Donor
- $25,000 Distillery Industry (Feb 05)
- $25,000 Pioneer Services & Associates (Nov 05)
- $25,000 National Veteran’s Service Fund (Nov 05)
- $15,400 Private Donor
- $15,000 Prilosec (American Freedom Foundation, Nov 05)
- $15,000 Fred L Hartley Family Foundation (Sept 05)
- Major needs provided:
- Housing 30%
- Utilities 24%
- Food 17%

Special Projects:
- Operation Brave Boxer (Spring 06)
- Collect boxers and undershirts for soldiers at Walter Reed.
- I Care Too! (Winter 06 and on-going)
- Goal: to sell 165,000 t-shirts and post pictures on website
- Benefit: Outreach, Public Awareness and Strengthening of USA Cares by raising money to -over all operational costs
- Operation Slugger (Spring 05)
- 13 tons of sporting equipment to Iraq/Kuwait/Afghanistan
- Partners: Louisville Slugger/DHL/ AUSA/Republic Bank/APL Shipping
- Fort Knox AUSA Award Streamer (2005)
- Operation Lapwrap (Summer 05), 1,100 handmade quilts to wounded Soldiers. Delivered to Walter Reed & Fort Sam Houston
- Partner: Operation First Response
- Operation Southern Care (Fall 05)
- Tractor trailer of clothing sent to Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans
- Partners: Hardin Transport/Helen’s Flowers/ Hardin County NAACP

"Operation Brave Boxer" Ships to Walter Reed

First Shipment On the Way!

In Support of Operation First Response’s injured Soldier backpack program, USA Cares, Inc. began “Operation Brave Boxer”.

The needed undergarments are in short supply and a necessity in meeting the basic needs of the men and women in the Medical Hold Hospitals across the United States.

**Many local agencies immediately put up drop sites (Pioneer Services, Helen’s Flowers, Fort Knox Credit Union, Bedrock Café and others).

This will be an ongoing program as long as there is a need we will continue our effort to try and meet that need.

You too can support “Operation Brave Boxer” by sending donated items (Boxers, tee shirts, socks or toiletries) or a tax deductible donation in support of the program.

If your group, school, church or business would like more information contact us immediately.

Meet USA Cares

Peggy Baker

Peggy Baker

Peggy is the President and Founder of Operation First Response. Her organization has assisted hundreds of wounded service members coming through military hospitals in the Washington D.C. area as well as other sites across America. Peggy is a proud military mom living in Culpepper, VA.

Success Story: Going the Extra Mile

Army
injured Soldier (receiving only 1/3 of his income pending VA rating after being released from Medical Hold)
Married
5 kids (8,7,4,3,1)

Homeless family had moved all their belongings into a one room hotel with no kitchen facilities. The income they did receive was being eaten up on a day to day match with the lodging, food and laundering needs of the large family. Spouse took a job at a Service Station to help subsidize the food and incidentals. When we were contacted the first instinct was to find local resources that can meet the need quickly (which we did) and build from that.
In many cases it requires more than providing financial assistance. Coordinated efforts between the Family Assistance Representative (who drove three hours a day to help the family find a place to live), the local American Legion Adjutant (Who covered some lodging expenses then got involved in the VA processes to expedite a resolution), referrals and application processes outlined for Unmet Needs, TGLI, and Soldiers Angels reaped additional assistance to be provided once the family is moved.

USA Cares assistance (Thanks to the Committee for the exception to policy and awarding $1,200.00 to the family), American Legion Assistance, Soldiers Angels, and Unmet Needs.