Bliss Nine is contributing a basket of baby goodies, from generous vendors in the industry (list of goodies coming in a future blog entry), for the silent auction at the upcoming “Stars and Stripes” charity ball for the USO San Diego, being held on May 30, 2009. Offering help and hope, the USO San Diego has been providing a welcoming “Home Away From Home” to all Armed Forces personnel and their families stationed or passing through San Diego.

USO San Diego is unique among all USO’s in that they are host to the largest concentration of active duty military in the world. Patrons utilize the 18,000 square foot Downtown Center and the 6,500 square foot Neil Ash Airport Center 365 days each year. Also, USO San Diego provides just under $1 million dollars of in-kind services through a wide variety of programs including:

• Host to more than 150,000 visitors at our two facilities annually
• Host to 31,000 new Marine recruits at our Neil Ash Airport Center
• Free Tuesday Night Dinner served 50-52 Tuesdays each year
• Distribution of USO Care Packages to deploying units in San Diego County
• Free Thanksgiving Dinner and special holiday events for the families throughout the year
• Comfortable living room atmospheres to kick back and relax… and so much more

Each year USO San Diego touches the lives of more than 150,000 active duty military, National Guard, reserve service members and their families throughout the San Diego County region. Most of the patrons are junior enlisted personnel living on very low incomes and in some cases below the poverty line.

The USO does not receive federal funding and no operational revenue for local activities from its parent organization. As a 501(C)(3) chartered council, they rely solely on the generosity of local San Diego contributors within the local Geographical Service Area (GSA). All donations serve the local military community. Monetary donations to the USO are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Just as important are donations of your time and talent. USO San Diego boasts over 12,000 volunteer hours annually by more than 150 volunteers. Whether they are helping with connecting flights, serving free meals or helping spouses and children keep in touch with a loved one overseas, they are the heart of USO San Diego. To make a donation or volunteer please visit ww.usosandiego.org or contact us at (619) 235-6503.

Submitted on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 at 5:29 pm