Donate Miles, Send Gift Package

Frequent fliers with American Airlines can donate $25 to sponsor a holiday care package for deployed troops that includes a 100-minute prepaid AT&T calling card, toiletries, disposable cameras and sunscreen.

The program is a cooperative effort between American Airlines and the United Service Organizations, which sponsors Operation USO Care Package.

Since December 1, 2003, members of the airline's AAdvantage frequent-flier program have donated $200,000 to Operation USO Care Package, sending more than 7,600 care packages to US service members overseas, USO officials said.

In addition to frequently requested care-package items, donors can include a personal message wishing a happy holiday and thanking troops for their contributions.

"The generosity AAdvantage members have shown to the deployed members of US armed forces is truly remarkable," said Jeff Zidell, an American Airlines vice president. "The care packages and personal messages of support have touched the lives of thousands of deployed men and women, letting them know we appreciate their service and sacrifice."

Elaine Rogers, worldwide administrator for Operation USO Care Package, called American Airlines "a committed sponsor" of the care-package program and said the USO looks forward to working with the airline again this holiday season.

"Operation USO Care Package is possible due to the support of corporations like American Airlines, their employees and their AAdvantage members," she said.

(ANN salutes Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service)

FMI: www.usocarepackage-aa.org