USO Operation Summer Surprise

Throughout the summer of 2022, USO Illinois staff will surprise 81 military families (81 for the USO’s 81 years of service!) with a USO Operation Summer Surprise, which is a personalized basket filled with recreational summer goods. The July – September deliveries will be made to Great Lakes, Chicagoland, Quad Cities, Scott Air Force Base, Springfield, and everywhere in between.

Family registration will open in May 2022 on the Events page of this website. Families will be randomly selected.

Testimonials from prior years: “My children’s dad is deployed and the start of school has been really difficult, it was nice to see them light up over a fun surprise.”

“My children were very excited to receive the summer surprise box, they couldn’t wait to open it and start playing with the toys inside. The USO absolutely did a great job with the choices inside the box. Thanks again!”

HOW TO SUPPORT: If your corporation would like to contribute in-kind goods, make a monetary contribution or volunteer to pack the baskets for this program, please email illinoisUSO@uso.org Thank you!