Mission Heart Hug Collecting Shoebox Gifts for Military Spouses
Drop off Gifts at Chick-fil-A by May 7 in honor of Military Spouse Day

APEX, NC, May 01, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Support Military Spouses, home of Mission Heart Hug, the nation's only program dedicated to collecting and distributing shoebox gifts to military spouses, is partnering with Chick-fil-A and Penske Truck Rental for a gift drive in honor of Military Spouse Day. From May 2 through May 7, seven Central North Carolina Chick-fil-A restaurants in Raleigh, Cary and Fayetteville will serve as collection sites for gift boxes. Highlighting this drive is a free Chick-fil-A food giveaway on May 5 for each shoebox gift received. Penske will provide the use of their trucks to facilitate pickup and distribution of the shoeboxes to military spouses.

Support Military Spouses recognizes and applauds the undaunted courage of military wives and husbands as they shoulder the responsibility of family life, care for wounded warriors, and honor the memory of our nation's fallen heroes. It is with tremendous appreciation that Support Military Spouses recognizes and honors military spouses throughout the year, but especially on Military Spouse Day, Friday, May 6, 2011.

Military Spouse Day was first celebrated in 1984 when then-President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observance to honor the contributions of military spouses. The military now sets aside the Friday before Mother's Day each year to pay tribute to the spouses who play a vital role in the nation's defense.

How to Help
Participating Chick-fil-A locations will serve as Mission Heart Hug collection sites from May 2 through May 7. On May 5, participating Chick-fil-A restaurants will give away a free Chick-fil-A sandwich to anyone who brings in a Mission Heart Hug shoebox gift to support the Military Spouse Day shoebox drive.

Supporters of the cause can participate by preparing a shoebox with appropriate gifts, along with a $7.50 donation (tax-deductible check payable to Support Military Spouses) to help cover shipping and other project costs, and dropping them off at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants between May 2 and May 7.

For a list of collection sites spanning from the Triangle area to Fayetteville, visit http://supportmilitaryspouses.org/pack-a-shoebox-send-a-heart-hug/collection-sites/

Suggested gifts for military wives include a pocket-sized Bible, book of inspiration, lip gloss/balm, shower sponge, bath lotions/gel, body spray, notepads, journal, stationery, stamps, jewelry, etc. Suggested gifts for military husbands include a pocket-sized Bible, book of inspiration, coffee samples, non-breakable mug, nail clippers, shower gel, deck of cards, gum, hard candy, notepads, pens, etc.

Monetary donations can be made online through a secure PayPal account at www.SupportMilitarySpouses.org

Caring for our Hometown Heroes
"We are so thankful for all prayers and contributions that will show appreciation to military spouses," said Co-founder Dr. Steven Rumley, who also serves as pastor of Potter's Hand Bible Church in Apex. "The military spouses are our hometown heroes and we recognize the sacrifice they and their family members make every day so that we may enjoy our freedoms."

Support Military Spouses acknowledges the support of its sponsors: Chick-fil-A, Penske Truck Rental and Treasured Pages.

For more information, visit www.SupportMilitarySpouses.org, call 919-274-7344 or e-mail Friends@SupportMilitarySpouses.org.

Press Release Contact Information:

Diane Rumley
Support Military Spouses
Co-Founder
3468 Apex Peakway
Apex, NC
USA 27502
Voice: 919-274-7344
Website: Visit Our Website