Operation Help A Hero is an IRS approved 501 (c) (3) public charity dedicated to the well-being and care of our American military members. Our programs support military units and families as they prepare for separation, while they endure the challenges of deployment, and as they transition back to the US. Our projects uplift our military heroes and send a clear message of support to their entire family. Operation Help A Hero connects communities with service members and provides real opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those who serve our country. We are an all volunteer organization. All board members and directors volunteer their time to focus all donations on our projects and the military heroes they serve. Every cent contributed to Operation Help A Hero is used to serve our military community, and every project is based on real needs.
Donate now through PayPal
or through Network for Good
Please note that Network for Good donations are paid out to OHH on the 15th of every month. Paypal donations are received immediately.
All donations made for our projects are directly made to Operation Help a Hero in support of the units we commit to serving. No military units solicit for donations or participate in fundraising for our projects. We serve THEM not vice versa.
To sign up for our monthly e-nnouncements with volunteer opportunities and ways to help, near or far, fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
May 3rd: St. Margaret's Day of Service for OHH, Camp Pendleton
THREE PROJECTS IN ONE DAY! May 11th: Operation Rack Pack for HMM 364 and 3/5 9am-1pm, Camp Pendleton AND Operation Rack Pack for 1/5, 11-3pm
May 17th: -- This Operation Rack Pack, with St. Margaret's School (all are welcome) for HMLA 169, 12-2:30pm
May 21st: Operation Rack Pack 1/5 part II-- 4pm-8pm
May 23rd: Operation Rack Pack 1/5 part III-- 10am-2pm
July 2013: OHH Bring it On Paintball Fundraiser!
August 2013:
4th: OHH Baby Shower for 2/4
Operation Bedtime Stories for 2/5, Date TBD
September 2013:
28th: Camp JOY for 13th MEU (all elements) and 2/4
October 2013:
13th: OHH Baby Shower for 13th MEU, all elements
November 2013:
2nd: Comfort for the Caregiver Event for the 13th MEU -- all elements
Operation Rack Pack 2/4
December 2013:Operation Christmas Spirit
January 2014: OHH Baby Shower for 2/5
February 2014:OHH Camp JOY 2/5
Spring 2014:Operation Rack Pack for 3/7 (29 Palms), 2/5 Operation Rack Pack for 13th MEU
**Please note -- unless the project date is set, these events are subject to change based on needs. We do NOT plan events on or share return dates for the safety of the service members we support and out of respect for their families.***
Learn more about our new program
OHH Camp JOY.
Deployment doesn't take a break, but parents,operating as "deployment single" parents, need one. Spouses of our active duty military force shoulder the burden of keeping the homefires burning , often doing everything for 6-12 months a time with no family near by to support them. OHH Camp JOY is our answer to this ever-present need. We provide a 5 hour block of fun for kids with deployed parents, and Mom/Dad gets a much needed break.
To sign up to volunteer for an upcoming Operation Rack Pack project, please visit this page.
Please help us welcome home young, single service members returning from deployment. You can provide a hero's welcome to those who often return without family local to welcome them home in person.
Our Operation Rack Pack project started 11 years ago (then called Operation Welcome Home) as a grassroots effort led by our founder, Cindy Farnum, and family members of 1/5. She, along with military parents, wives, girlfriends and civilian supporters of her husband's unit saw the need and acted then, and the program has grown to support over 20 units from Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, Yuma and Miramar. Continuing requests from units for this program show the impact our community can make for our military heroes as they return home AND their loved ones who can't be there as they arrive back in the United States. There is a true need for this support as our young heroes re-integrate back home after serving abroad. Join us in showing these young men and women that the citizens they serve appreciate them.
Please note, for the safety of the Marines/Sailors in these units, we do NOT coordinate our projects on return dates or share them with the public. We consider actual return dates to be something that should remain private within the families of these units.
UPCOMING BARRACKS PROJECTS:
1. Operation Rack Pack for 75 5/11 Marines/Sailors returning from Afghanistan. Project date: Feb 1st
3-5pm
2. Operation Rack Pack for 650 1/5 Marines and Sailors returning from deployment. Project date: May 11th from 11am-3pm
3. Operation Rack Pack for 1,000+ 3/5 and HMM 364 Marines/Sailors returning from deployment
Project date: May 11th from 9am-1pm
4. Operation Rack Pack for 400 HMLA 169 Marines/Sailors returning from deployment. Project date: May 17th, 12-2:30pm
5. Operation Rack Pack for 3rd AABN TFG and A Co Marines (150)
Project date: April 13th and May 17th
6. Operation Rack Pack for 650 3/7 Marines and Sailors
Project date: Spring 2014
Please email Cindy Farnum at cfarnum@operationhelpahero.com to sign up to volunteer or involve your school, business or group.
Want to help us prepare for upcoming barracks projects? We could use your help!
Sign up to volunteer for one of our grocery store drives
Help us collect a specific item on our wish list... have a poster making party, host a new and gently used DVD drive, a pillows for patriots drive, etc.
Host a BBQ or party this summer and ask each guest to bring an item from our wish list.
Start a letter writing campaign... of thanks. Try to get everyone you know to write a welcome home and thank you letter for us to include in our gift bags.
Start collecting gently used men's magazines (no older than 3 months please). Sports Illustrated and Men's Health are favorites.
Host a yard sale and donate proceeds to OHH to purchase needed items.
THANK YOU to the following schools who hosted drives for ORP this school year: Ladera Ranch Elementary School, Oso Grande Elementary School, St. Margarets, Saddleback Valley Christian, Aliso Viejo Christian, Laguna Hills High School, Las Flores Middle, Robinson Elementary, Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Arroyo Vista Elementary, Valencia Elementary and St. Johns Episcopal School.
click here to see a list of companies, groups, schools and individuals who generously donated their time and resources to our 3/4 project. THANK YOU!
In 2011, OHH welcomed home over 4,400 Marines and Sailors from deployment through this important project thanks to people like you!
In 2012, we've welcomed home 5,878 Marines and Sailors local to SoCal.
Operation Christmas Spirit 2012
OHH served over 100 families, 4 units and over 600 single Marines through Operation Christmas Spirit this year!
We worked hard to make their Christmas wish lists a reality.
And we were able to do this thanks to people like you!
The families who benefit from our annual OCS drives are identified by leadership in chosen, deploying units as those who could use Christmas assistance OR the command feels they deserve a special thanks.
Operation Christmas Spirit 2012 supported families from the following units: 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 2/4, 1st CEB, 1st LAR, 5th Marines HQ Co, 1/1, 2/1, 3/1, 1/4, 3/7, 1st Recon, CLR 17, and 10 families from other bases -- Ft. Bliss, Ft. Hood, Ft. Worth and NAS Lemore.
10 Ways YOU can support a military family next holiday season:
1. "Adopt" a family with your group, school or business. Email "adoption" coordinator, Kristen Lanham at kristenlanham@me.com
2. Purchase a wish list item from our Angel Tree OR host an angel tree of your own. Contact our Angel Tree coordinator, Cindy Farnum at cfarnum@operationhelpahero.com
3. Donate gift cards for families to purchase their own Christmas gifts and needed items.
4. Donate toys for children ages 1-12.
5. Make and donate handmade holiday goodies -- blankets, crafts, ornaments, cookies, etc. for us to add into our Christmas baskets.
6. Assemble and create holiday craft kits for families to assemble together.
7. Donate online (link at top of page) with a note for OCS, and we'll do shopping for you.
8. Donate gifts families can use together -- games, movie tickets, amusement park tickets, photo sessions, etc.
9. Donate your services and talents -- hair stylists, photographers, self defense lessons, etc.
10. Donate a holiday meal -- box up and decorate goods for a family to cook up a holiday meal of their own or donate grocery gift cards.
OHH would like to thank 5th Marines, St. John's School and the City of Rancho Santa Margarita for graciously hosting gift delivery and pick-up sites.
We would also like to thank Tutto Fresco, Bagel and Brew and Judy Wagner for the wonderful food spreads at all 3 pick ups.
OHH Baby!
(Operation Help A Hero) Baby Showers
Help Us Pamper and Unite New and Expecting Mommies During Their Deployment
We are now taking volunteers for 2/5's Baby Shower on April 28th from 2-4pm on Camp Pendleton
Want to "adopt" your own mommy? Contact OHH's Baby Shower co- Coordinator, Sarah Quail at sarahquail110@gmail.com
To volunteer your time or talents for our OHH Baby showers, contact OHH Baby's shower co-Coordinator, Cindy Farnum at cfarnum@operationhelpahero.com
Items we could ALWAYS use for our
OHH baby showers:
Diapers and wipes (sizes newborn through size 4)
Baby blankets
Baby books and parenting books
Larger items that can often be a huge financial burden on our military families like: car seats, strollers, cribs, bouncers, swings, high chairs and pac n'plays
Gift cards to Babies R'US, Target and Walmart which will enable mommies to purchase needed registry items
Baby bjorn carriers and floor mobile gyms
Formula and bottling supplies
Baby toys and teddy bears
Diaper bags
White onesies
Here are just some of the mommies/units we have helped through our OHH Baby Showers:
1. A shower benefitting 26 mommies from 2/4 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
2. A shower benefitting 27 mommies from 2/5 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
3. A shower benefitting 23 mommies from 2/1 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
4. A shower beneffiting 13 mommies from HMM 364 and HMLA 169 Mission accomplished on Jan 20th
5. Baby Shower for 2/5's New and Expecting Mommies, April 28th from 2-4pm.
Operation Enduring Support for Families in Crisis
NEW ALERT 2/6/2013 -- Help us support a Marine Corps baby with nursery needs -- crib mattress, car seat (we can only accept new) and baby basic needs. Their baby is due soon, and they need our help!
NEW ALERT 3/7/2012-- Help a wounded warrior, commuting over 100 miles each day for treatment with gas gift cards!
Current projects, recent accomplishments and how you can help:
Full Calendar Events Approved and Supported:
Please note, due to the nature of our projects/assistance, some events have months locked on but no dates until closer to the project. Reminder: our barracks projects are NOT coordinated on return dates. Actual return dates are not given to us for Operational Security precautions.
January
2013
~20th
OHH Baby Shower for HMLA 169 and HMM 364, Camp Pendleton, 1:00-3:30
February
2013
~1st
Operation Rack Pack bag prep for 5/11, Rancho Santa Margarita, 3-5pm
~5th
Pacific Life Insurance – Life Insurance Division Fundraising Presentation,
Aliso Viejo, 10am
~7th
OHH Board of Director’s Meeting, 6:30pm
~24th
OHH Bring it On! Paintball Challenge and Fundraiser for OHH, Camp Pendleton
9am-3pm
March 2013
~8th
St. Margaret’s Day of Service for OHH, Camp Pendleton
~23rd
Comfort for the Caregiver with “mini” Camp JOY for 3/5, Camp Pendleton,
5:30-8:30pm
April 2013
~Operation
Rack Pack for 3rd AABN
~28th: 2/5 Baby Shower
May 2013
~2nd
OHH Board of Directors Meeting, 6:30pm
~3rd
St. Margaret’s Day of Service for OHH, Camp Pendleton
~Operation
Rack Pack for HMLA 169, Camp Pendleton
~ Operation Rack Pack for HMM 364, Camp Pendleton, 10am-1pm
~Operation
Rack Pack for 3/5, Camp Pendleton
June
2013
~1/5
Operation Rack Pack originally scheduled for June is moved to May. This month
is now open for a project.
~OHH Bring it On! Paintball Fundraiser
July
2013
~OHH Volunteer Outing
August
2013
~1st
OHH Board of Directors Meeting, 6:30pm
September
2013
~OHH
Baby Shower for 13th MEU
October
2013
~Operation
Bedtime Stories for 2/5, Camp Pendleton
November
2013
~OHH Camp
JOY for 13th MEU (project pending… beginning of the month)
~Possibly
OHH Camp JOY (project up for vote in May)
March
2014
~Operation
Rack Pack for 13th MEU, Camp Pendleton
April
2014
~Operation
Rack Pack for 3/7, 29 Palms
May 2014
~Operation
Rack Pack for 2/5
Please note: Our project dates are subject to
change depending on unit deployment schedules. We typically do not set
Operation Rack Pack dates until one month prior to the project for this reason.
We never post or share return dates for the safety of those we serve and out of
respect for their families.
To sign up to volunteer for any of the above projects or get your group, business, or church involved, please email our volunteer coordinator, Cindy Farnum with the project as the subject line, your name and a confirmation email will be sent to you. cfarnum@operationhelpahero.com
Job Well Done and Thank You!
OHH would like to thank all the generous donors and volunteers who made the following projects successful since we officially went non-profit in 2009 (although we've been doing this since 2002!):
January 2009:Assistance with 15th MEU post deployment family day
February 2009: Build your own care package event for deployed 1st Marine units
April 2009 Baby shower for 3/5's pregnant mommies with daddies deployed
May 2009: Assistance with spring carnival on CP at Lake O'Neill
July 2009: Baby shower for 1/5's pregnant mommies with daddies deployed
November/December of 2009: Barracks project for 1/5 (600 single Marines newly returned from Afghanistan)
December 2009:Assistance with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita's shopping event and winter wonderland for family members of 2/5's deployed Marines
December 2009: Operation Christmas Spirit benefitting 40 Camp Pendleton families from 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, CLB 5 and the SOI.
January 2010: Donated banner party supplies for 2/5 families preparing for their Marines' returns
February 2010: Operation Bedtime Stories for CLB 5
April 2010: Operation Rack Pack for 600 3/4 Marines who returned from deployment in Afghanistan.
May 2010: Banner Party for 2/5 Fox's Return and Reunion Brief
June/July 2010: Operation Rack Pack for 2/5 Marines who returned from Afghanistan
June 2010: Coordination of volunteers/attendees for the NFL's 2010 Rookie Symposium
June/July 2010: Operation Rack Pack for 300 Marines and Sailors returning from Afghanistan from 2/5
July 2010: OHH Baby Shower for 25 of CLB 5's new and expecting mommies
August 2010: OHH Baby Shower for over 25 of the School of Infantry's new and expecting mommies
September 2010: "Have a Ball" fundraiser for 2/5 in partnership with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita and Philly's Best
September 2010: Albertsons and Pavilions Drives to benefit ORP and OES programs
October 2010: Operation Rack Pack for CLB 5 and attachments
November 2010: Operation Rack Pack for 3/1
November 2010: OHH Baby Shower assistance for HMM 167
December 2010: Operation Christmas Spirit for 55 lucky Marine Corps families and a truckload of support for 2/1
January 2011: OHH Baby Shower for 3/5
March 2011: OHH Baby Shower for 2/5
April 2011: Operation Rack Pack for 3/5
May 2011: Operation Rack Pack for 2/1
May 2011: Operation Rack Pack for HMLA 169
May/June 2011: Operation Rack Pack for 2/5
July 2011: OHH Baby Shower for 1/5
July 2011: Family day carnival for 2/5
August 2011: Kiddie Camp for 2/5's Jane Wayne Day
September 2011: Patriot's Day Fundraiser
September 2011: OHH Baby Shower for 7th ESB
September 2011: Operation Rack Pack for 1/1
October 2011: Operation Rack Pack for 1/5
October 2011: Operation Rack Pack for 7th ESB
November 2011: OHH Baby Shower for 2/4
November 2011: Operation Rack Pack for 7th ESB
November 2011: Operation Christmas Spirit Part I (1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 2/4, 2/1, 3/1, 1st LAR, 1st CEB, 1st Recon, RCT 5)
December 2011: Operation Christmas Spirit, parts II-VI (92 family wish lists, 39 Marines returning to barracks and over 350 additional children served)
December 2011: Operation Welcome Home for RCT 5 mid-way returns
January 2012: Operation Bedtime Stories for 2/5
February 2012: OHH Camp JOY (Mom's Day Off) for 101 kiddos with deployed parents
February 2012: Operation Bedtime Stories for CLB 5
March 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 659 2/4 Marines/Sailors
April 2012: OHH Baby Shower for 2/5
April 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 51 3dAABN Marines/Sailors
May 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 528 1st LAR Marines and Sailors
May 2012: OHH Camp JOY (Mom's Day Off) for 98 kiddos with deployed parents
June 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 250 HMM 268 and MAG 29 Marines/Sailors
June 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 650 1/4 Marines and Sailors
June 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 632 3/1 Marines and Sailors
July 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 58 RCT ADVON Marines and Sailors
July 2012: OHH Baby Shower for 23 2/1 new and expecting mommies
July 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 50 3dAABN Marines and Sailors
July 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 88 RCT 5 ADVON and attachments
July 2012 Operation Rack Pack for 210 CLB 5 Marines and Sailors
August 2012 Operation Rack Pack for 113 RCT 5 Marines and Sailors
August 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 94 2/5 ADVON, PAT I and II, Cargo and IDD Marines and Sailors
August 2012: Homecoming support (goody bags, volunteers, raffle prizes, crafts) for 2/5 Homecoming
September 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 700 2/5 Marines, Sailors and attachment units to include Division HQ Marines
September 2012: Operation Rack Pack bags for 80 3dAABN Marines and Sailors
September 2012 Operation Rack Pack bags for 20 1/1 ADVON Marines and Sailors
September 2012: Patriot's Day Event in Rancho Santa Magarita. Booth collection supported City's effort for 2/5, the City's Adoptive Battalion
September 2012: Supported 8 different 2/5 homecomings with volunteers, supplies and raffle prizes
September 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 375 (made 400) 1/1 Marines and Sailors
October 2012: Welcome home goodie bags made and delivered to 450 single Marines and Sailors from 3/7 in 29 Palms
October 2012: Service project with St. Margaret's Episcopal School's Middle School
November 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 650 2/1 Marines and Sailors
November 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 80 1/11 Marines and Sailors
November 2012: Operation Rack Pack for 350 1/1 Marines and Sailors
December 2012: OHH Camp JOY (Mom's Day Off) for 73 kiddos with deployed parents
December 2012: Operation Christmas Spirit for 100 families, and assistance with 2/1, 3/1, 3/7 and 1/4 Christmas parties.
January 2013: OHH Baby Shower for HMM 364 and HMLA 169 (plus a few special guests)
February 2013: OHH Bring it On! Paintball Fundaiser for Operation Enduring Support
February 2013: Operation Rack Pack for 5/11 Marines -- 96 Total
March 2013: Operation Rack Pack for 3/5 Marines returning for EAS -- 66 total
In addition to the events sponsored and coordinated by OHH, our Operation Enduring Support Program for families in crisis was able to provide rent for a wounded warrior, aid to help move a family in crisis, funeral costs for a former Marine, financial assistance for families in serious need, ipads for wounded warriors, support for victims of fires, and furniture to well-deserving military families. OES has served military families in many other circumstances and situations. While we occasionally publish an alert with unit/family permission, most of the help/support we give is done quietly out of respect for the families we serve. Please consider donating to this program to help OHH have the resources to support our heroes in crisis.
None of our projects, programs or efforts would be possible without your support. THANK YOU for showing our men and women in uniform that you appreciate their sacrifice, bravery and dedication; your efforts help our American military heroes to know they are not forgotten.
Want to volunteer or get more involved with OHH?
We feel that it takes a village to support our troops, and the more hands we have, the more served.
We welcome you to get involved and learn more.
Here are some suggestions to get started:
1. Sign up for our e-newsletter using the form at the bottom of this page.
2. Check out the list of upcoming events above.
3. "Like" our Facebook page for daily opportunities and reminders
-- The date of the event you're signing up for in the subject line
-- Your full name and the full names of any other volunteers you'll be bringing with you.
-- Good contact informaion
-- If you are signing up with a small group, troop, school, business, church, etc.
5. Can't commit to an event but want to give an hour or two a couple times a month? Send an email to Cindy (email address above) with your availability, and we will take you up on the help!
6. Have special talents to share? Let us know... We could especially use the talents of graphic artists, massage therapists, photographers, handymen, stylists and childcare providers.
7. If you have a small group, business, school or church that would like to get involved, let us know. Our coordinators will contact you and set a meeting to go over possibilities and ways we can support your efforts. We can even plan events around your group's schedule with enough participation. cfarnum@operationhelpahero.com
Copyright 2011, Operation Help a Hero, Inc.
Operation Help a Hero is an IRS approved 501 (c) (3) public charity. Tax ID #: 27-1438256. Your donations are tax deductible.
Operation Help a Hero, formerly known as Operation Sweet Dreams, has served Marine Corps units in Southern California since 2001.
We now have a nation-wide school chapter program and plans to support units in all military branches. Sign up for our e-nnouncements below to learn more about our programs, keep up with volunteer opportunities and spread the word about our drives/fundraising to support our men and women in uniform.
Job Well Done and Thank You!
