Operation Yellow Ribbon
About Operation Yellow Ribbon
Since 2012, Operation Yellow Ribbon has been sending donated troop supplies and goodies to deployed US service members in the Middle East, while also helping coordinate surprise welcome-home celebrations for returning local South Jersey service members. The work is practical, personal, and all-volunteer, which gives it a kind of directness donors can feel good about. It’s support that reaches people overseas and also shows up when someone comes home.
What sets Operation Yellow Ribbon apart is how it stays close to both ends of the journey. It ships morale-boosting care packages overseas, then turns around and helps pull together surprise welcome-home celebrations for local South Jersey veterans and service members. That mix of collection drives, sponsors, and partner groups keeps the work grounded in community support.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Care package collection and shipping
Collects donated US troop supplies and goodies and ships care packages to deployed US service members in the Middle East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
Welcome-home celebrations
Promotes, coordinates, and facilitates surprise welcome-home events for local veterans and returning service members in South Jersey with partners such as the Warriors Watch Riders and other patriotic organizations.
Green Sole Kits
Partners with DEON to include Green Sole Kits in care packages for deployed US service members.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Operation Yellow Ribbon collects donated troop supplies and goodies, ships morale-boosting care packages to deployed US service members in the Middle East, and helps coordinate surprise welcome-home celebrations for returning local South Jersey service members.
Who they serve
Deployed US service members in the Middle East, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve, plus returning local South Jersey service members and veterans.
Their impact
- Since 2012, Operation Yellow Ribbon has shipped almost 700,000 lbs of goodies and hygiene items to countries in the Middle East.
How your donation helps
- Shipping expenses for care packages, including USPS postage.
- Purchasing care package items and supplies.
- Rent and insurance needed to keep operations running.
- Operational expenses that support continued welcome-home celebrations.
Our story
Operation Yellow Ribbon began in 2012 as an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) registered in New Jersey. It grew out of The Yellow Ribbon Club, building on earlier efforts to collect donated troop supplies, ship care packages, and coordinate welcome-home celebrations for local service members.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Operation Yellow Ribbon’s services.
Deployed US service members in the Middle East can request care packages, although the request function is temporarily paused while the organization catches up with funds and donated items.
Events
Welcome Home Greetings
Surprise welcome-home celebrations for returning local South Jersey service members, coordinated with Warriors Watch Riders, other patriotic motorcycle groups, local towns, and first responders.
Care package collection drives
Community collection drives held at places of worship, workplaces, schools, or as merit projects to gather troop supplies and goodies for deployed service members.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Operation Yellow Ribbon has shared.
Current needs
- Financial donations for shipping expenses and operational costs.
- Care package items such as protein or energy bars, baby wipes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, beef jerky, hand sanitizer, deodorant sticks, and ladies hygiene products.
Volunteer opportunities
- Organize a care package item donation drive at a place of worship, workplace, school, or as a merit project.
- Sort, pack, and prepare donated items for care packages.
- Help coordinate surprise welcome-home celebrations for returning local South Jersey service members.
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Red Cross honor, 2014
- Wawa Hero Award, 2017
In the media
- Today Show, 2020, featured Operation Yellow Ribbon's care package work.
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
Who receives care packages from Operation Yellow Ribbon?
Deployed US service members in the Middle East receive the care packages, including those in Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
What happens when care package requests are temporarily paused?
Requests are paused while the organization catches up with a larger than normal volume of requests and limited funds and care package items.
How does Operation Yellow Ribbon support returning service members locally?
It helps promote, coordinate, and facilitate surprise welcome-home celebrations for local veterans and returning service members in South Jersey, with help from Warriors Watch Riders and other patriotic organizations.