By Staff
LANSING - Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm Friday 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 through Jan. 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.
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.
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.
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.
For a complete list of participating theaters and more information on Operation Troop Connect, please visit www.michigan.gov.