Dear Members and Supporters,
It has certainly been a difficult year given the pandemic, economic hardships, and social justice reckoning for our country. And when it comes to giving to charity, a recent Gallup poll shows the percentage of Americans donating to charity has hit a new low. OSOT-America has been impacted by all of these things.
Any help that our supporters can give is really important as we enter the last quarter of 2020. Our mission to support the military community and its needs remain great.
Recent tax law may also be holding people back from making donations. Only a small minority of taxpayers can reduce their taxes by making charitable donations. Often times tax filers are better off taking the standard deduction than itemizing things on their tax return.
There is some good news though. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to also claim up to $300.00 in charitable deductions for this year. Of course, check with your tax adviser for more information.
If you are able, please consider making a donation to OSOT-America and maybe claim additional deductions on your next tax return.
Sincerely,
Scott Maxson
Executive Director
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SOCIALLY DISTANCED OUTDOOR FUNDRAISER--OCTOBER 3! |
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Join us on Saturday, October 3rd for our mini-golf outing fundraiser!
This is a great opportunity to have some family fun outdoors in the fresh, autumn air while supporting the programs of OSOT-America!
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Jewel-Osco Shop and Drop 1227 Naper Blvd., Naperville
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Friday, October 2 from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM.
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Saturday, October 3 from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Mini-Golf Outing at Lost Mountain Adventures Mini-Golf in Woodridge.
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Saturday, October 3 from 9:45 AM-1 PM. Lunch ticket included! This is an outdoor volunteer opportunity, so dress for the weather!
Santa's Workshop
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NEXT SHOP AND DROP OCT. 2 & 3 |
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MONTHLY GIVING
We recently developed a new program to make donating monthly easier called OSOT'S Angels. You can set up monthly donations for a specific amount to cover shipping costs for our Comfort and Care Package Program, or you can set up a different amount. You can do this through PayPal, by check or money order, or by credit card through our online form or call us with the information. Join OSOT's Angels and receive a special OSOT's Angels T-shirt after donating for three consecutive months! If you have any questions or need more information please call us at 630-971-1150.
$18 Each Month Ships 6 Boxes a Year!
$36 Each Month Covers the Shipping Cost of 1 Box Per Month (12 Boxes Over One Year)!
$72 Each Month Covers the Shipping Cost of 2 Care Packages Per Month (24 Per Year)!
$144 Ships 4 Boxes Per Month (48 Per Year)!
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Home Run Inn--Thursday, October 22
1280 W. Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, 60440 from 11:00 AM-9:00 PM and 20% donated to OSOT-America, CLICK HERE for the flyer as you must show the image from your smartphone or the flyer for us to receive the proceeds!
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Chipotle--Wednesday, November 4th
1516 N. Naper Blvd, Naperville from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM and 33% will be donated to OSOT-America, CLICK HERE for the flyer as you must show the image from your smartphone or the flyer for us to receive the proceeds! Valid for in restaurant ordering and online orders with code QVEN98Y for pickup (delivery cannot be counted at this time).
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SHOP ONLINE FOR ITEMS NEEDED FOR COMFORT AND CARE PACKAGES--SHIPPING INCLUDED! |
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Our inventory is getting extremely low on some important items for our Comfort and Care Package Program and our friends at You Give Goods have set up a way to purchase items we need online, shipping is included and all items will be delivered to our warehouse. CLICK HERE for more info!
Items we are in need of:
--Letters and Cards to the Troops. These are one of the most valuable items because the letters and cards of support remind them how much they are appreciated and valued. If you are able to write letters and cards for us or can organize a group to help, please let us know!
CLICK HERE for the full list of products we need or call us at 630-971-1150.
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THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN LITTLE SMOKE! |
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Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Little Smoke Fundraiser this past Saturday! A BIG THANK YOU to Carl and Sharon Pedersen who worked many, many hours (and days) to put together this event by opening their home and cooking, setting up, and cleaning up after the event. The proceeds will benefit OSOT-America, Chicagoland Eskie Rescue and Barks to Boots! |
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BLUE STAR FAMILIES SURVEY |
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ITEMS NEEDED FOR OUR STOCKING PROGRAM! |
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We will be opening Santa's Workshop very soon! Please consider donating some needed items for the stockings as last year we sent out 8,000 stockings! If you have any questions, please email us by CLICKING HERE or call us at 630-971-1150.
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COMFORT AND CARE PACKAGE SORTING AND ORGANIZING
- Thursday, September 24 from 9 AM-1 PM
SANTA'S WORKSHOP:
Please note: advanced registration is required by using the above link.
- Thursday, October 8 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Saturday, October 10 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Thursday, October 15 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Saturday, October 17 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Thursday, October 22 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Saturday, October 24 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Thursday, October 29 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Saturday, October 31 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Thursday, November 5 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Saturday, November 7 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Thursday, November 12 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Saturday, November 14 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Thursday, November 19 from 9 AM-1 PM
- Saturday, November 21 from 9 AM-1 PM
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SOME G.I. YOGA IN-PERSON CLASSES RESUME! |
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Hello GI Yoga Friends!
We have a new schedule this week and going forward:
No class on Mondays, in person or Live. Monday nights are on hiatus.
Wednesday In Person and Live
Friday In Person only (for now)
Wednesday : 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Judd Kendall VFW 908 Jackson Ave, Naperville & Live on YouTube, CLICK HERE.
Fridays, at 10 AM-11 AM at the Medill Room at the Visitor's Center at Cantigny Park. Registration required, please CLICK HERE.
Free parking, just tell the gate attendant that you are there for GI Yoga.
And last but not least, our friend Nate, founder of Bo Yoga ( the yoga poles we love) is having free Qi Gong classes on Tuesdays in September. CLICK HERE for the email from him and directions on how to sign up (send him an email to rsvp and get the zoom invite by CLICKING HERE) They are free, he has a suggested donation.
Stay safe and Be Well,
Kate
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MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION |
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Please consider donating financially to help support our programs. |
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Thank you for the care packages! It definitely make the day for our shop. It's nice to know that people care.
So again, thank you for your kindness and the care packages.
Be Well!
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SCOTT MAXSON'S CONTACT INFO |
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If you have a question for Scott Maxson, OSOT-America's Executive Director please email him at [email protected] by CLICKING HERE or call 630-971-1150.
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We have experienced an increased level of interaction with veterans through our Veterans Assistance Program as well as our other programs regarding depression and suicidal thoughts. If you know a veteran that would be in need of help, please see the contact numbers you can share:
Military One Source
1-800-342-9647
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-8255
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CHARITY WATCHDOG RATINGS AND AWARDS |
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OSOT-America is proud to have top ratings from Charity Navigator, Great Nonprofits, and a Guidestar Platinum Award...and our newest award from Chamber 630 for the Best Not-For-Profit Charity. |
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Operation Support Our Troops-America
www.osotamerica.org
630-971-1150
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ROCKIN' FOR THE TROOPS 2020: Patriotic Tribute For America
MEDIA LINKS--2 Million Pounds of Comfort and Care 2019
CLICK HERE to watch Stacey Baca from ABC 7 Chicago at our warehouse.
MEDIA LINKS--Over The Edge Fundraiser 2019
CLICK HERE for the ABC-7 Chicago News segment with Stacey Baca
PHOTOGRAPHY LINKS--Over The Edge Fundraiser 2019
CLICK HERE for images from Friday's VIP/Media event.
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