Operation Turbo Says Thanks to Service Members
These care packages let deployed service members know they are appreciated.
Profile
Who: Dyan Z. Smith, 56
Where: Arlington, Va.
What: Founder, Operation Turbo
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What inspired you? In November 2010, I toured the destroyer USS Stout with my niece, a naval officer. I learned that many of her shipmates wouldn’t receive any mail while they were deployed. I struggled with that. Young people in the military sacrifice so much. They don’t make a lot of money, and they are away from family, friends and creature comforts. I needed to do something, so I e-mailed everyone I knew, shared my experience and asked them to write a note of gratitude to my niece’s shipmates.
What was the response? I received many beautiful notes and, unexpectedly, a lot of sugary treats. My niece distributed everything. Word spread and I got other requests. I asked around to find out what people really need during deployment, and we began fulfilling requests at our website, operationturbo.org, with one box per person.
What does the box contain? About 50 items, worth about $50, in three categories—protein, personal care and treats. Beef jerky is one of our most-requested items. In personal care, we vary the items for men and women. The contents have evolved. When we were told that hot sauce makes anything taste better, we added packets of it. Every box has a note of gratitude written by volunteers from all over the U.S. Each box costs about $10 to $11 to mail.
How do you fund your work? Supporters donate supplies by ordering them from our wish list on Amazon. Or, at Amazon Smile, they can designate Operation Turbo as their charity of choice, and a small percentage of their purchases will come back to us. We are a nonprofit, and with tax-deductible donations of cash or gift cards, we can buy exactly what we need in bulk with a sales-tax exemption and pay for shipping, too. We sponsor fund-raisers, such as an annual golf tournament, a barbecue and a jewelry sale with a local retailer. In 2018, we raised $47,588 from all sources.
How many boxes have you shipped? By year-end 2018, we’ll have shipped nearly 4,500 boxes to most branches of the military around the world.
Is this your full-time job? If you asked my husband, Jeff, he would tell you I’m on it 24/7 because I go to sleep and wake up thinking about it. It’s a commitment, not a job, and I don’t take a salary from it. I’m a semi-retired hairdresser.
Do you have help? Jeff weighs the boxes so we can fill out customs forms, and he takes care of the website, Amazon Smile and all the legal paperwork. I push the gas pedal, but he helps navigate. For my board of directors, I chose four people I felt would connect to the mission and bring their individual strengths to the table. Volunteers help us pack boxes.
Do you receive thank-you notes? Yes, and photos of happy recipients holding their boxes. When I hear “We haven’t been forgotten,” “We are appreciated” or “You have helped morale,” that’s my driving force.
-
Ask the Editor: Itemized DeductionsAsk the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, Joy Taylor answers questions on itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A of Form 1040
-
9 Types of Insurance You Don't NeedFinancial Planning If you're paying for these types of insurance, you may be wasting your money. Here's what you need to know.
-
Are You Putting Yourself Last? The Cost Could Be Your RetirementIf you're part of the sandwich generation, it's critical that you don't let the needs of your aging parents come at the expense of your future.
-
9 Types of Insurance You Probably Don't Need
Financial Planning If you're paying for these types of insurance, you may be wasting your money. Here's what you need to know.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
