Retailer gathers donations for soldier care packages

In honor of Memorial Day, fashion retailer Draper’s & Damon’s is partnering with the USO to provide care packages to troops overseas, committing to a $25,000 contribution to Operation USO Care Package and collecting donations now through Monday at each of its 48 outlets.

The care packages — stuffed with items such as prepaid phone cards, disposable cameras and toiletries — are distributed to soldiers participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“We saw this as a great opportunity to team up with the USO to promote a great cause that supports the women and men in service to our country,” said chief executive Brad Farmer. “This is a cause that is relevant to our customer base and really, to all of us.”

The Newport Beach Draper’s & Damon’s store is at 1062 Irvine Ave. For more information on the program, go to www.uso.org/whatwedo/specialprograms/.

— Jessie Brunner