Advanced Hearing Technologies, Inc. associate Sherrie Courson accepting a care package at a local hearing lab. Photo Contributed
It all started with a “tweet” from NBC News Correspondent Ann Curry last month suggesting a creative way to honor the 26 lives that were lost at a Newtown, Conn. elementary school.
Why can’t we all try to perform at least 26 random acts of kindness this next year?
“We reach over 2 million people every month through our advertising strategies.”
-- Robert Hutchcraft
Fairfax County business owner Robert Hutchcraft became inspired to open all 15 of his company’s hearing labs to serve as official drop off sites for “Operation Gratitude” care packages and donations for the men and women serving in the U.S. military. “These men and women are on duty around the clock to defend us. They are many thousands of miles away from their hometowns,” Hutchcraft said. “For our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines being deployed on foreign soil means you are in harm’s way. Something as small as an extra pack of chewing gum can really help make the world a better place.”
Hutchcraft is the president and founder of Advanced Hearing Technologies, Inc. located at 380 Maple Avenue, Vienna and 8136 Old Keene Mill Rd. in Springfield. Anyone who wishes to drop of one of the “wish list” items or make financial donations can walk in during business hours at any Advanced Hearing Technologies location and a company associate will ensure that the contributions are processed for delivery to Operation Gratitude’s Headquarters in Van Nuys, Calif. In addition to care packages, Operation Gratitude also encourages people to do something as simple as write a letter or drop off “wish list” items.
“We reach over 2 million people every month through our advertising strategies,” Hutchcraft said. “Now we can also help Operation Gratitude in its noble mission by dedicating some of our prime advertising space and office services to the effort.” Many thousands of people will be able to see how easily they can perform a random act of kindness.
For more information or directions to your nearest Advanced Hearing Technologies location, call 888-333-5744 or visit the company’s website www.advancedhearingtechnologies.com. At the bottom of the homepage to the website there is a “Operation Gratitude” clickable banner with links to donation forms and “wish list” items for the collection drive.