Operation Support is a community effort to express appreciation to our troops and their families and friends and will be a continuing project until this Operation Iraqi Freedom is resolved and our troops and safely home.
This project is designed to provide opportunities for our citizens to show support in the following ways:
Through public ceremonies, events and activities by publicly proclaiming our respect for our troops as they have left their jobs and families to defend our freedom.
Encourage organizations and churches to recognize these groups at their meetings and in their services.
Encourage the display of yellow ribbons at businesses, school and residences as a visible reminder that we are aware of their absence and our prayers are that they will return home safely. Yellow ribbons will be available for purchase at the Yellow Ribbon Campaign event at Arts in the Park.
To provide emotional and tangible support to the families and friends of troops.
  A hot line has been set up and will be manned by community volunteers. This special hot line will provide general information and special support services for military families. To access this service please call 527-8686. Volunteers are needed now more than ever to man phone lines and to provide other services identified by operation support.
  The American Red Cross is working with the community in an effort to bring a "Touch of Home" through their "Quality of Life" program. The key chapter and community volunteers are collecting items needed by our deployed military. These items will be checked, packed and sealed properly and shipped in an orderly manner, items needed are trial size toiletries, shaving cream, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wet wipes, sunscreen, hand sanitizers, shower soap/gel, hand lotion, face cleaning pads, lip balm, ziplock bags, nail clippers, foot powder, feminine products, fly traps, fly swatters,wrap around sunglasses, blank cards, stamps, batteries (assorted sizes), disposable cameras, mens socks, mens underwear, ramen noodles, hot sauces, canned meats, individually wrapped candy, peanuts, microwave popcorn, snack foods, Gatorade, sweetend Kool-Aid, coffee, sugar, creamer, hot chocolate, small board games, puzzles, books, video's, dvd's, music cd's and cassettes. If possible please bring your items in an unsealed 18xl2xl0 box. This medium size box will help ensure proper packing and safe delivery. For feasible handling, weight should not exceed 45 pounds. Pack edible items in a separate box from liquids. Pack liquids such as shampoo, lotion, shaving cream in bubble wrap or Styrofoam balls, filling all the space so the items will not move around in transit. Secure bottle/ containers Each Red Cross Chapter is responsible to cover the cost of shipping the goods to the deployment site. There are specific restrictions and we encourage donors to follow Red Cross guidelines. The cost of mailing is approximately $1.50-$2.00 per pound and donations are greatly needed to defray these mailing costs. If you would like to help with the cost of shipping, please make checks payable to the Key Chapter of the American Red Cross for the "Quality of Life" Program. For more information call 527-8686
  Support group meetings will be set up for access by family and friends of deployed troops. These meetings will be held at Microtel Inn & Suites meeting room located on Bonita Lakes Drive across from the mall on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. for information regarding these meetings please call 527-8686.
  Churches and organizations are being encouraged to plan activities for family and friends of troops and to identify these family and friends within their groups and to evaluate the needs as well as help coordinate support.
For information of how your organization can help or to request specific activities please call 527-8686
Suggested events that churches or organizations could sponsor: 
EVENT #
EVENT
FREQUENCY
DESCRIPTION
1
Youth Gathering
1-2 times/month
Sponsor activities for youth of deployed personnel. Example: All night Basketball at Family Life Center
2
Spouses
Day Out
1-2 times/month
Provide activities for children of deployed members so spouse can shop, relax, etc.
3
Supplies
for Troops
1 Time per month
Provide a donation of items needed by deployed personnel.
4
Postage Money
1 Time per month
Provide a donation each month to help paythe cost of mailing items to deployed personnel
5
Take a spouse to dinner
1-2 times per month
Host a dinner at family center so spouses can enjoy a meal with others facing the same challenges. Perhaps include a meal of hotdogs & chilps for small children that may accompany parents.
6
Box and Mail Supplies to Troops
Throughout
each month
Provide volunteers as needed to meet at theRed Cross or designated location and pack boxes to be mailed, and transport to Post Office if need be.
7
Supply
Boxes
Throughout
each month
Provide approriate boxes for shipment of items to deployed troops
8
General Assistance
Troughout
each month
Provide assistance as needed with items such as lawn care, car care, etc...


For more information about Operation Support contact:

Operation Support
(601) 527-8686


Key Chapter
1711-24th Avenue
P.O. Box 205
Meridian, Mississippi 39302
(601) 485-5151
Fax (601) 485-1084

Meridian/Lauderdale
County Tourism
(601) 482-8001