A Special Look Back at 2012 Holiday Events
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Illinois Lottery and White Sox Cheer Boxes
Monday, December 17
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On December 17th, the USO of Illinois partnered with the Illinois Lottery and the Chicago White Sox to stuff cheer boxes for military families in need. Over 100 boxes were assembled and delivered to the military during the holiday season. Every box contained a gift card, a White Sox hat, a hand-painted holiday ornament, and various other surprises. With the help of these partners, the USO of Illinois is able to meet its mission of supporting the military and their families. Thank you Illinois Lottery and Chicago White Sox for your help this holiday season!
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Holiday Mass Exodus 2012
Friday, December 21
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Holiday Mass Exodus kicked off during the very early hours on Friday, December 21st, 2012. Thousands of service members flooded every USO of Illinois center en route to visit family and friends for the holidays. The USO had guest tables placed throughout O'Hare Airport distributing snacks and beverages to the holiday travelers. The USO also distributed food and beverages at the Rock Island, Great Lakes, and Midway centers. Bakers Square generously donated hundreds of apple and pumpkin pies for every service member traveling through O'Hare. The added touch of a home-made pie was exactly what the traveling service members needed! Thank you to Bakers Square, Weber's Bakery, Spartan Energy, Fresh Market and all of our other supporters during Exodus!
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A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre
Saturday, December 29
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On December 29, 2012, hundreds of military family members descended upon downtown Chicago for the final showing of Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol, at the Goodman Theatre. The lucky families who arrived early were rewarded with a behind-the-scenes look at a theatre performer's pre-show warm up class. Scrooge even made an appearance! In addition to the world-class show, every military family was given a holiday floral arrangement compliments of FTD. The USO would like to give a special thank you to the Goodman Theatre and FTD for their support of this special holiday tradition.
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