Penske Helps Nonprofit "Support Military Spouses" Deliver Gifts at Fort Bragg

Apex, N.C. - As part of Mission Heart Hug, the nation's only program dedicated to assembling, collecting and distributing shoebox gifts to military spouses, Support Military Spouses made shoebox deliveries to Fort Bragg Army Base in Fayetteville, N.C., this month. Approximately 200 shoebox gifts were delivered with the help of Penske Truck Rental.

For the women and men who stay behind while their spouses defend our nation abroad, life can be difficult, said Dr. Steven Rumley, co-founder, Support Military Spouses. The military spouses are our hometown heroes. We recognize the sacrifice they and their family members make every day so that we may enjoy our freedoms.

Shoebox Gift Program

Mission Heart Hug is the flagship of Support Military Spouses. The program's vision and goal is to assemble, collect and distribute shoeboxes filled with gifts that are pampering and encouraging in nature to every U.S. military wife or husband whose spouse is deployed.

Currently there are over 1 million active duty armed forces in the United States military and approximately 400,000 serving on foreign soil. Mission Heart Hug partners with the military to distribute these boxes to military spouses, most of whom are wives with children.

Gifts Much Appreciated

It felt really special to be recognized for all the hardships we endure as military spouses. I have been using the items that came in the box, and have especially been enjoying the bath products and reading materials, as that really helps me to relax, Erin, a military spouse, expressed in a thank-you email to Support Military Spouses' co-founder Diane Rumley.

Another military spouse, Cynthia, wrote: It really means a lot to my family...it's really nice to be recognized for the sacrifices and hardships that we endure.

Military spouse Teri summed it up this way: I wanted to thank you for my wonderful shoebox gift. Being a military spouse can be very trying at times and the spouse is often overlooked. I really appreciate the time and thought put into these boxes. Thank you!

How to Help

Supporters of military spouse appreciation can participate by preparing a shoebox with appropriate gifts, along with a $7.50 donation (tax-deductible check payable to Support Military Spouses) to help cover project costs, and sending them to 3457 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC 27502.

Suggested gifts for military wives include a pocket-sized Bible, book of inspiration, lip gloss/balm, shower sponge, bath lotions/gel, body spray, notepads, journal, stationery, stamps, jewelry, etc. Suggested gifts for military husbands include a pocket-sized Bible, book of inspiration, coffee samples, non-breakable mug, nail clippers, shower gel, deck of cards, gum, hard candy, notepads, pens, etc.

Monetary donations can be made online through a secure PayPal account at www.SupportMilitarySpouses.org

Penske Truck Rental Support

Support Military Spouses acknowledges the support of Penske Truck Rental by allowing the use its trucks for pickup and distribution of shoeboxes throughout the year, as well as financial support. Their generosity ensures that many more military spouses will receive a thank you in the form of a Mission Heart Hug shoebox gift.

For more information, visit www.SupportMilitarySpouses.org, call

919-274-7344 or email Friends@SupportMilitarySpouses.org.

About Support Military Spouses

Support Military Spouses' goal is to recognize and applaud the undaunted courage of military wives and husbands as they shoulder the responsibility of family life, care for wounded warriors, and honor the memory of our nation's fallen heroes. We do this through programs that show appreciation for and reaffirm the sacrifice, patriotism and selflessness of all military spouses.

Support Military Spouses is a division of Encourage Them, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christian charitable organization dedicated to supporting the spouses of active duty military. For information on making a donation or preparing a shoebox gift, please visit www.SupportMilitarySpouses.org.

For comments or questions, call 919-274-7344 or email Friends@SupportMilitarySpouses.org.