National Guard Troops and Their Families to Benefit From Giving Trees at G.I. Joe's

WILSONVILLE, Ore., Nov. 30, 2004 -- In past years, Giving Trees were always the way that G.I. Joe's involved their stores and their customers in helping others. This year the trees at G.I. Joe's carry wish list items for National Guard Members on active duty as well as items to help their families here at home.

Norm Daniels, President and CEO of G.I. Joe's Sports & Auto Stores introduced the program by saying, "Giving trees are to help people, and this year, Joe's and its customers have a chance to help those who are serving their country. There's always a lot of fanfare when a Guard unit is called up, but once the fanfare's over the true challenge of running a household with a mom or dad away on active duty begins. Right now there are some Guard units coming home and some going; we hope this program will help to make things better for all of them."

Each G.I. Joe's store has a giving tree erected in its lobby area. The customer simply selects one of the gift tags on the tree, and fulfills that request. The items are often simple but coveted by soldiers in the field. Toiletries and supplies are the most popular. Clothes and toys for the children help families enjoy the holidays on the reduced budgets that active duty can often cause.

Shannon Burley, Advertising Manager at G.I. Joe's, and in charge of implementing the program at G.I. Joe's, said, "This is such a great country! It blesses us with so many things we take for granted. But to a Guard member or their family, either on their way or just arriving home, a little extra help is always appreciated. We're hoping the Joe's customers show their support of the Guard by taking one or two of the gift tags and fulfilling the request. We're also joining other retailers in supporting the Cards for Guards program. Often a gift card, is the best thing to give, making it easier for families to get the items, and especially the sizes, they need."

Family Programs of Oregon and Washington are in charge of picking up the gifts and will distribute them at various armories in Oregon and Washington.