OPERATION GRATEFUL HEARTS

We are a family with a proud history of military service dating back to, at least, World War I. We have several surviving family members that are either retired or currently serving on active duty. Their service includes deployments to war zones in Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Between family and close friends, we have belonged to each branch of the military. Through these united experiences, we understand the extreme sacrifices and dedication entire families sign up for and endure during military commitments.

Operation Grateful Hearts’ beginnings started 25 years ago when founder, Wendy Jo Ackley, had tragedy strike her family. Being exceedingly grateful for the wave of support and assistance her family received from their military community, they wanted to give back. Her family decided to start by sponsoring a family for Christmas, in honor of her brother’s birthday on December 18th.

Since that first year Wendy Jo has partnered with several non-profits and individuals, throughout the years, to aid numerous military members, their families, and veterans all over the Treasure Valley.

Two years ago, Wendy Jo began a new partnership with the CW2 Joshua M Tillery Memorial Fund and 101.9 The Bull radio station to provide necessities and Christmas for local military families. Those past two years were highly successful and met the needs of many in our community and the Tillery family themselves. Since reaching the goals the Tillery family had set for their organization, they made the decision to retire their non-profit. They are now concentrating on moving forward and dedicating more time to their own family.

With the encouragement and support of the Tillery Fund and the Bull Radio Station staff, Wendy Jo has made the decision to open another non-profit. Operation Grateful Hearts will continue the endeavors of the Tillery Fund and fulfill their role in providing aid to military families of the Treasure Valley. While we will continue to provide aid year-round, our biggest program will remain our Christmas sponsorships.

Last year we sponsored more than 100 families, providing necessities as well as enjoyment. In addition to Christmas gifts, toys, and family night out packages, families received essentials. Examples of other donations included: Gas and grocery cards, cords of wood for heating, monetary donations paid to the heating company to keep utilities from being turned off and parts/labor to repair the families’ only vehicle.

Every family has unique needs, and we pride ourselves in our versatility to meet these individual needs.

Being 100% volunteer run, our organization relies on the donations, time, and goodwill of the people of the Treasure Valley and Idaho at large. Whether it’s giving money or an item donation, helping wrap gifts, or volunteering with us for our fundraisers, every little bit helps us achieve and expand our goals.

We believe our efforts truly make a difference in the lives of our veterans and their families, ultimately resulting in better communities.

Together, with your support, we can make a significant difference.