Retailers Support Troops
By George Anderson
With a lengthy involvement in Iraq guaranteed regardless of how long it takes
to topple Saddam Hussein’s regime, consumers and retailers are sending care
packages to reinforce the nation’s support of its troops.
Ahold’s Bi-Lo and Giant Foods divisions, for example, are participating in
the USO’s (United Service Organization) Operation Goodie Bag. This program seeks
to provide troops with basic supplies such as paper, toothpaste, candy, disposable
cameras and postage stamps. Shoppers can either donate items or make a monetary
contribution for the purchase of supplies.
Harris Teeter, according to The Washington Times, has “sold out of the
$1 and $20 flags the supermarket chain is selling to buy $20 phone cards for
troops stationed in the Persian Gulf.” The chain plans to send 20,000 prepaid
phone cards to troops engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“There are a lot of things soldiers aren’t provided by the military and a phone
call to home from Kuwait can cost $125,” said Harris Teeter spokeswoman Tara
Stewart.
Moderator’s Comment: Do consumers expect retailers
and CPG companies to offer and/or contribute to programs that support our troops?
Are there any current programs that deserve special mention?
For more information on how to support the troops and
the humanitarian effort on behalf of the Iraqis, check out:
- The American Red Cross www.redcross.org
- USO (United Service Organization www.uso.org