December 17, 2004
December 17, 2004
| Additional Information |
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today kicked off "Operation Troop Connect,” a statewide initiative to collect telephone calling cards for military members and their families. Operation Troop Connect is a partnership among the Governor’s Office, the State Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the National Association of Theater Owners of Michigan, and Spartan Stores.
“During this season of giving, many Michigan families are looking for ways to say thank you to military members and their families for the sacrifices they are making,” said Granholm. “This is one small way to let them know they are in our hearts and prayers this holiday season and that we appreciate what they do day in and day out to defend our liberties and freedom.”
Operation Troop Connect will collect calling cards at 55 movie theaters and Spartan Stores across the state from December 17 through January 3. Calling cards purchased for this effort should be between 60 and 120 minutes. They will be distributed to Michigan National Guard and Reserve members and their families to help them stay connected with their loved ones throughout the year.
“Movie theaters across America have a long history of supporting our troops and their families during times of war,” said Cory Jacobson, president of the National Association of Theater Owners of Michigan. “This program will allow each movie theater to work with their communities across Michigan to bring a holiday message from home to our troops. We are honored to help in this effort.”
Participating theater owners include: Cinemark, GKC Theatres, Goodrich Quality Theaters, Jack Loeks Theatres/Celebration! Cinemas, Moore Theatres, National Amusements, and Phoenix Theatres. Their theaters will have a drop box for patrons in a designated area, either at the ticket box office or the concession stand.
“Spartan is proud to give our customers the opportunity to help Michigan’s military men and women and their families,” said Mary Dechow, Spartan director of government and regulatory affairs. “This is a great way for each and every one of us to say thank you to those who are giving so much for us through their service to our country.”
Through Operation Troop Connect, Spartan stores will be collecting calling cards in 252 independently operated grocery stores, from Sault St. Marie to Niles. Some Spartan Stores include: Felpausch Food Centers, Glen’s Market, Family Fare Supermarkets, Harding’s Markets, and VG’s Food Centers. For a complete list of all 252 stores participating, visit www.spartanstores.com. Most stores will collect the phone cards at the customer service desk. Customers can look for the signs in their participating stores.
“Helping our soldiers and families to stay in touch by donating calling cards is a wonderful way for the citizens of Michigan to support our troops during, and beyond, this holiday season,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas G. Cutler. “We are delighted to partner in this effort to support those protecting the freedoms that we Americans hold so dear.”
At the conclusion of this effort, theaters and stores will mail their donated cards to the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Family Program Center where they will be processed and distributed. Calling cards will be distributed to Michigan National Guard and Reserve members stationed overseas, troop members being deployed for duty, and to military families.
