Heart Of A Marine welcomes Fifth Third Bank employees to Veterans Day event
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation, serving all branches of the armed services and headquartered in Elk Grove Village, partnered with Fifth Third Bank of Chicago for a special Veterans Day package project for the troops stationed in Afghanistan.
On Friday, Nov. 11, The Heart Of A Marine Foundation mentored Fifth Third Bank of Chicago employees through a 530-package send off to troops overseas. Along with Fifth Third Bank chief executive officer Bob Sullivan, hundreds of employees packaged up both troop ‘wants’ and ‘needs.’ Some of the items sent were canned ravioli, canned chili, tuna, Oreo cookies, granola bars, peanuts, Tootsie Rolls, eye drops and four pair of athletic socks per box. Each box also contained letters and cards created by Elk Grove Village schoolchildren and children of Fifth Third Bank of Chicago employees.
“We are honored to spend our day off serving those who serve us, and giving back to those who give selflessly for our freedoms” Sullivan said.
The package project was a part of an all-day event held at Union Station in Chicago. Surrounded in an atmosphere of musical celebration and thanksgiving to our veterans, the foundation assisted Fifth Third Bank of Chicago in creating packages headed to the Army, Navy and Marines. “What an incredible opportunity to be able to impact so many in one day” said Roy Frank, co-founder of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and Gold Star parent. “We are so grateful to Fifth Third Bank management and employees for their dedication and enthusiasm to our military.”
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel addressed the crowd, and assisted in getting the packages on the US Post Office vehicle for delivery. “There has been talk lately of the 1 percent. This is the 1 percent that matters. Those who serve to our nation, so that we remain free.”
The United States Post Office, Chicago branch was present on this federal holiday. Postal employees, many of whom are military veterans, volunteered their day off to participate and get these packages on their way.
“This was a wonderful day spent giving thanks in person to our veterans that came by, and being able to send a ‘thanks!’ overseas,” said Georgette Frank, co-founder of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and Gold Star parent. Andrew Hayes, vice president, public relations & communications for Fifth Third Bank of Chicago looks to the future. “We would like to make this an annual event. As long as our troops are far away and looking for a taste of home, Fifth Third Bank will stand ready to assist. We look forward to collaborating with The Heart Of A Marine Foundation again.”
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation is a registered 501(c) 3 founded in memory, honor, and spirit of Marine LCpl. Phillip Frank, and serves all branches of the US military.
To learn how your business or organization get involved in a care package project, or to learn more of the foundation, contact (847) 621-7324 or visit heartofamarine.org.
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