The Troopster Story and How You Can Help Deployed Military Members This Holiday Season
About Troopster
Troopster was founded Thanksgiving Day 2015, by current active duty Navy Petty Officer Chelsea Mandello. Troopster is a website that provides personalized military care packages as well as donation packages to troops who are deployed or stationed from home. A simple and easy way to send a care package to a loved one serving overseas, families and friends can add photos, letters, games, snacks, toiletries and can even make special requests for additional items that might not be available on the site.
Why Troopster Was Created
It was during a difficult deployment that the idea of helping friends and family send care packages first began. Chelsea was serving on board her seventh ship in the Mediterranean and noticed that the few individuals who received care packages were rarely able to use or eat the contents inside. She wanted to help not only simplify the tedious task of sending care packages, but also give an option for those who don’t have family to still receive care packs.
Two years after the initial idea of Troopster, Chelsea, while still serving in the Armed Forces, launched Troopster. The first, easy-to-use, personalized option to send care packages to military. We are proud to say that it has grown from a small business that provides personalized packs to a company that has sent more than 600 care packages to deployed troops.
We sponsor packing social for local ombudsmen and Family Readiness Groups, provide outlets for donation letters and supplies, work with the local community to annually send care packages to single service members deployed, and host drives to continually support those who serve and their families.
How You Can Help The Mission!
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer with us at any of our local packing parties. Bring friends, family or organizations with you! We love to work with ALL organizations such as local churches, the girl scouts, VFW, ombudsman and family readiness groups. You can follow us on Facebook for event listings and to reach out to us for deeper inquiries.
Set up a collection bin or pallet at your local office, church, apartment or organization to help us collect items. If interested in being a drop off location please contact us at troopster@troopster.org
DONATE
Troopster is an official 501c3 and our mission is to send care packages to deployed troops who might not have families to care for them.
Your donations help pay for the shipping, snacks, toiletries and packs that get sent throughout the year to our troops. Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on our packing parties, including our BIG Holiday Pack Party in November!
UPCOMING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES FOR HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA
Troopster is in need of volunteers, donations and sponsors for their upcoming Big Holiday Pack Party November, 18, 2017 at Top Golf Virginia Beach, Virginia from 11 am-7 pm. This will be the second annual event.
Last year there was tons of community support and Chelsea is hopeful that this year we'll be able to pack up 2,000 boxes that will be sent overseas to deployed single service members over the holiday. Troopster needs volunteers, companies/organizations to be drop-off donation locations (we have boxes and Troopster themed pallets to give out for this) and people to give monetary as well as item donations.
If you can help in any way please contact Chelsea at troopster@troopster.org
SHOP TROOPSTER
All-In-One Military Care Packages
Troopster Kits are pre-made kits specifically built with your Troop in mind. We have holiday, bath and body and even his and her kits. We hope you enjoy our kits as we are constantly trying to add and improve.
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