Contact: Robert McDowell
Tel: (321) 251-7850

Recession Brings Depressing News for Children of Fallen US Troops as Memorial Day Approaches

Orlando, Florida (MMD Newswire) May 15, 2009 -- Operation Christmas for children of fallen troops, announced that it has suspended its Christmas in July, VIP vacation program for children of US Troops KIA. The Christmas Gift Card program will continue. Donations to Operation Christmas are down compared to last year as it is with many charities. Smaller charities like Operation Christmas with little financial cushion are being hit the hardest and are cutting fundraising activities and programs.

Operation Christmas sent several families on a Disney cruise in 2009 including an Easter cruise for two of the children. There are still over 200 children on the waiting list. "Memorial Day, the day we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country is upon us. It is heartbreaking to have to break the news to these children who have also sacrificed so much," says Robert McDowell, Operation Christmas Executive Director."

Many of the children received little or no benefits following the loss of their military parents. "I don't know if we can afford the gas." Jennifer Swain. This was after being told she and her two sons would be "going to Disney World" for their VIP Vacation. She only lived 100 miles from Orlando. She was told that Operation Christmas would take care of all their expenses. "Aaron and Joel lost their dad in Kuwait protecting this Nations oil supply and they can't afford 10 gallons of gas. I've heard too many stories like this. It just doesn't seem right." McDowell. The boy's father, National Guard Sgt. Dennis Boles died in Kuwait just before entering Iraq.

"These children truly are VIPs, Very Important Precious 'lil heroes' who have made the ultimate sacrifice a child can make for their country, the loss of a parent in service to our Nation. The programs from OEC are to help these children be kids again. It will take a lot of support to restart the VIP vacation program but I think there is an angel or two out there somewhere," McDowell.

Operation Christmas also hopes to follow up it's 2006 'A lil heroes Christmas' CD with the Precious Heroes Project, a CD featuring stars from Music, Film Sports, and other facets of entertainment along with the Children of Fallen US Troops. ‘A lil Heroes Christmas' featuring Children of the Fallen made #8 on Billboards Heat Seekers (new artist) charts. Operation Ensuring Christmas and the CD story were featured on NBC's ‘The Today Show' and in other national media outlets.

Operation Christmas, a 501-c3 not-for-profit, was founded in October 2004 to provide support to the children of fallen American troops. Operation Christmas provides the children with VISA Christmas Gift Cards during the holiday season and a VIP 'Christmas in July' Orlando Theme Park vacation. Operation Christmas is also a member of America Supports You, a program that helps link all the different efforts of the over 200 charitable organizations supporting the troops, and communicates that support to members of our Armed Forces and their families.

For more information on Operation Christmas visit www.operationchristmas.org. To schedule an interview with Robert McDowell or for more info e-mail mediarelations2@opchristmas.org or call 321-251-7850.

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