(BPT) - We've all heard of random acts of kindness - those spontaneous moments of generosity that warm hearts and spark smiles. Especially deserving of kindness are our military service members whose courage and resilience protect our freedom.
Companies like all-American snack cake brand MoonPie have been supporting U.S. troops for over 100 years through acts of patriotism. When America's brave servicemen and women leave home, MoonPie goes with them. From the frontlines to the home front, MoonPie has been a comfort food soldiers have counted on since the heroic days of World War II.
Care packages lift spirits
Sending unexpected treats to troops not only boosts morale, it validates their service and reminds soldiers they are not forgotten. Something as simple as a snack cake can provide a meaningful connection to life before deployment. It's a tangible reminder that service members who are away from home are appreciated and championed.
Patriotic Pies is a fundraiser that helps provide MoonPies to service members and veterans as a heartfelt way to thank them for their sacrifice. Schools and nonprofit organizations play a key role, promoting the program as they raise funds for their own goals, earning money from each Patriotic Pie purchased. Patriotic Pies has delivered half a million Mini MoonPies to troops since its inception in 2022.
MoonPies are available in red, white and blue - strawberry, vanilla and blueberry - in addition to classic chocolate, banana and salted caramel plus newer flavors like mint and birthday cake. Chattanooga Bakery has been making MoonPies for five generations, now over one million a day, with the goal of distributing one million Patriotic Pies to service members in 2025.
Volunteerism is a form of patriotism
The ultimate way to demonstrate appreciation is by donating time. Service-member support organizations like the USO, Friends of the Troops and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offer ample opportunities for volunteerism. With more than 250 USO locations, volunteers can provide hospitality and assist with a variety of programs and activities. Through Friends of the Troops, volunteers can adopt a service member on deployment by sending care packages.
MoonPie works with the USO, Friends of the Troops and the VFW to distribute Patriotic Pies to active-duty troops on military bases stateside and overseas, as well as to veterans. Veteran-owned Averitt transports them for free to U.S. bases. MoonPies are also gifted to service members during deployment flight departures and arrivals and have even been shipped to Greenland for Space Force troops to enjoy a taste of home.
Whether it's supporting efforts like Patriotic Pies in its mission to deliver a taste of home to soldiers, taking a few minutes to write a note of encouragement or volunteering to help military members and their families, gestures like these show our troops how valued they truly are for their service to our country.
