VSP Vision™ Pitches in for Packathon 7 Success

A big salute from our VSP Vision volunteer crew

September 11, 2024, found Troopathon headquarters teaming with activity as we proudly hosted our 7th Annual Packathon at our Operation Center in Sacramento. Packathon acts as our tribute to the 23rd anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, while honoring the courage, sacrifice and dedication of our U.S. Armed Forces.

In a powerful display of unity and support, Troopathon, in partnership with VSP Vision™, assembled and shipped 2,001 care packages—each symbolizing one of the victims of the tragic September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The Packathon was a day of profound significance, bringing together volunteer VSP Vision™ employees, local veterans, and military families. Their collective effort ensured that each package was filled with essential items and messages of encouragement.

VSP Vision™ played a crucial role, contributing 2,001 pairs of high-quality Columbia sunglasses in a protective pouch sure to tackle the harsh conditions our troops face daily. The enthusiastic VSP employee volunteers worked tirelessly while supporting the shipping and actively taking part in packing and addressing the care packages. A true all-hands on deck approach!

“We are honored to sponsor Troopathon’s 7th Annual Packathon,” said Chris Warren, Chief Legal Officer at VSP Vision™. “Our involvement reflects our deep commitment to supporting U.S. military servicemembers and their families. By contributing to this event, we hope to provide comfort to troops abroad and affirm that their service is valued and remembered.”

Among the volunteers was Richard Hannaford, a 9/11 Tower II survivor and Troopathon Board Member. His presence added a distinctive touch to the event, reminding everyone of the day’s impact and the importance of supporting those who defend our freedom.

Our troops will love opening their special Packathon care package loaded with all kinds of special goodies, including socks, personal care items, cookies, coffee, jerky and more. Let’s not forget the cool shades and personal note from VSP to remind them just how special they are!

Bella Sun Luci Starter Sauces Landing Now

Surprise our troops with delicious Bella Sun Luci in their next Troopathon Care Package

For a limited time, Troopathon is proudly including premium Bella Sun Luci sauce starter in savory flavors like Tuscan Garden and Tomato Basil to our troop care packages.

Bella Sun Luci products are made with premium vine ripe tomatoes grown in the rich river bottom soil of the Feather River Valley and 100% sun dried the natural way in the warm California sun to preserve nutrients and taste then blended with premium extra virgin olive oil and genuine Italian herbs to offer up healthy, Mediterranean inspired meals.

Starter sauces from Bella Sun Luci come in a convenient 8 oz. squeeze pouch with screw on top so it’s easy to use what you need and recap the rest for later. They are also perfect for sharing and we all know our troops will love sharing these awesome sauces with their teammates.

The Tuscan Garden and Tomato Basil can even be added to a mug of hot water to make a quick, easy cup of warm Italian soup on the go, or added to rice, potatoes, or any meal to spice up a bland military MRE. Bella Sun Luci sauce starters add healthy, delicious bold flavors to any meal.

Our troops deserve the best, which is why we are proud to offer these delicious meal enhancers from traditional Moody Farms family recipes handed down over many generations. Honoring this tradition, Moody Farms, maker of Bella Sun Luci, crafts their special sauces starters using the bounty of fresh ingredients found in Northern California.

So, from Bella Sun Luci’s table to our troops we offer “Il gusto della vita” or “savor life the Italian way” and we couldn’t agree more!

Halloween Candy Buy Back is Back

Previous Halloween Candy Back collections have provided thousands of pounds of donated treats for our troops

Join Troopathon's Halloween Candy Buyback Program by donating excess Halloween candy to be included in military care packages for our troops overseas! Last year, we collected over 30,000 lbs. of candy for our brave servicemembers!

Individuals, families, offices, and organizations nationwide can take part. Simply collect your excess Halloween candy and send it to our Operation Center.

Click register button to receive updates and be part of our national effort. But don’t worry, registration is optional.

We encourage you to send us personalized messages from children who contributed or submit care package requests from their families if they have a deployed service member hoping for a little extra love from home.

We welcome additional care package items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other hygienic products.

If you are an office such as a dental group, you can even offer some sweet swap options to encourage kids to give up some of their hard-won loot. Some suggestions from past participants include a Buyback where your organization may offer $1 per pound of candy (cost covered by the participating organization). Sweet Swap options include offering to exchange candy for healthy treats, prizes or other small tokens, again this is organized and covered by the participating organizations.

The first week of November is the suggested time frame for holding a buyback, for organizations. However, you can choose dates that work best for you any time you can collect before the end of the year!

When you are done, simply send your candy to our Operation Center by the end of the year. No complicated forms needed.

Address:

TROOPATHON Operation Center: 3105 Fite Circle Suite 108 Sacramento, CA 95827
TROOPATHON Warehouse: (For shipments of multiple pallets) 850 Gray Avenue Yuba City, CA 95991

Don’t forget to explain the significance of sharing candy with troops. Invite friends and family to join the effort. Thank you for supporting our troops!

October Happenings

As a hint of Fall crisps the air back home for much of our nation, we find ourselves contemplating hay rides, pumpkin spice everything and beautiful Fall foliage. But let’s take a moment to go over some of the significant dates to celebrate and acknowledge for October.