Does anyone get paid at SKIP?
No. Everyone at SKIP is a volunteer. We do not have the money to pay anyone for time or services. Every penny we bring in goes directly into supporting the SKIP mission.
Who is SKIP what does he do?
SKIP is actually the acronym for the corporation's full name, which is Special Kindness In Packages, Inc.
Tracy Stiers brought Special Kindness In Packages, Inc. to life in 2004 shortly after her brother, US Army SGT Skip Spoerke, was deployed to Iraq as a replacement soldier for a unit with the Army Reserve. The intent of the organization, which at that time was little more than a small handful of family and friends, was to honor Skip's request that a few care packages were shipped to his friends overseas who weren't receiving much mail from home. As those service members received care packages they would ask that their friends received a few; and those service members asked if their friends could; and that's how Special Kindness In Packages came to be a full blown organization dedicated to shipping care packages to US military members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and their respective National Guard and/or Reserve counterparts.
What does 501(c)(3) mean?
501(c)(3) is a just one of twenty-two different types of organizational tax exemptions granted by the IRS under section 501 of the Code. 501(c)(3) exemptions are for "charitable, educational, and religious" organizations. SKIP is a charitable corporation.
For many reasons 501(c)(3) is the most desirable of all exemptions because of the "goodies" that come with it. The other (less desirable) types of exemptions are for organizations such as civic leagues, social welfare labor unions, business leagues, social clubs, farmer's coops, etc.
View the Special Kindness In Packages, Inc. 501(c)(3) certificate (pdf)
Is SKIP a member of DoD's America Supports You program (ASY)?
From February 12, 2007 through December 28, 2008 SKIP was a member of ASY. The board of directors of Special Kindness In Packages, Inc. (SKIP) decided that, since America Supports You (ASY) has been investigated by the Inspector General's Office for violation of numerous DoD policies and other unacceptable behaviors, it is in this organization's best interest to be removed from the ASY list.
SKIP will continue supporting the troops and their families, but this organization is extremely disappointed in ASY's failure to appropriately follow its mission and for placing other organizations affiliated with ASY in jeopardy because of its actions. For more information about SKIP's decision please click here to read the full story.
Can I get a military member's name from you and ship my own care package?
Sorry, but we do not give out service member information to anyone.
For a detailed explanation please review our Privacy Policy.
How much of my financial donation actually goes toward care packages?
100% of your donation goes to supporting the SKIP mission. The mission is as follows:
Special Kindness In Packages, Inc. ships personalized care packages and correspondence to deployed members of the U.S. military, and offers individually tailored support and guidance to military members and their families before, during, and after deployment.
I can't afford to donate, but I still want to help...
Special Events are fun to be a part of! In the past we've designed floats for parades, handed out information at Red Sox games, held yard sales, had booths at fairs, and helped clean-up community veteran parks. And of course, we hold packing nights to pack care packages regularly. The opportunities are numerous and volunteers are always needed!
Click Here to sign up for the SKIP Newsletter and never miss another opportunity
How much of my donation is tax deductible?
Under IRC Section 170, individuals giving to 501(c)(3) organizations that are either public charities, private operating foundations, and certain private foundations may deduct contributions representing up to 50% of the donor's adjusted gross income if the individual itemizes on his tax returns. Corporations may deduct all contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations (regardless of foundation status) up to an amount normally equal to 10% of their taxable income.
Who do I contact to donate supplies for the care packages?
To schedule a supply donation pick-up in Massachusetts
please Email us - directors@skipcares.org
When should I expect to receive my first care package?
Typically speaking you should receive your first care package within 2 months. However, we rely heavily on private donations to make that possible and sometimes we simply do not have the funds to ship care packages every month. If you do not receive your first care package from us in 2-3 months please let us know by sending an Email to cprequest@skipcares.org with your name and APO or FPO zip code so we may check our records and let you know why.
How do you know when to stop shipping to me?
When you or someone you know completes our form requesting care packages to be sent to you we require an approximate redeployment date. Two months before the date we have on file is when we will ship your final care package. If you are extended or return home prior to your estimated return date we ask that you please let us know. Email cprequest@skipcares.org with your name and APO or FPO zip code so we may update your file.
I'm deployed, how can I help?
Although nobody is required to make a financial donation for a service member to receive care packages they are always appreciated. If we don't have the money to ship the care packages, we can't ship them. It's that simple. So, if you would like to make a financial donation please Click Here.
We would also like to invite you to write a letter to our supporters expressing your appreciation for the care packages you've received or even just to say hi.
