Bridgewater, NJ – Every time the Somerset Patriots win a game during the 2011 season they will be scoring a victory for all U.S. troops deployed overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Operation Shoebox New Jersey and the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club are partnering for “Victory Campaign 2011,” providing an opportunity for all fans to not only support the Patriots on the field, but the true American Patriots overseas who wear a uniform of a different color, according to Rod Hirsch, founder and executive director of the non-profit organization, which has sent over 42,000 care packages to US troops overseas since 2005.“The team’s name is synonymous with what has always made this country great,” Hirsch explained, “a sense of pride; strength in body and mind, a fervent respect for that which is right and a willingness to protect and preserve the basic freedoms that we all enjoy.”

By pledging to support “Victory Campaign 2011,” each fan who signs up for the fund raising program will ensure that the supply line of personal items shipped overseas continues uninterrupted, according to Hirsch. All fans that sign up for the program will receive four free tickets to any Patriots home game Monday-Thursday during the 2011 season.

Here’s how it works:
Individuals, families, youth league teams, civic organizations, small companies and larger corporations are all encouraged to pledge one dollar upwards of ten dollars for each game the Patriots win during the 2011 season and pay the full amount at the conclusion of the season, minus a $25 fee to register for the program. The $25 registration fee will entitle the individual or organization to sponsor a personal care package that will be sent overseas to a soldier as their gift.
“Operation Shoebox New Jersey will provide a postcard to each donor to be signed and inserted in the care package to identify the package as your gift,” Hirsch explained. For example, if the Patriots win 75 games during the 2011 season, and you pledge $1 for each win, you will owe $50 at the conclusion of the season.

Each personal care package shipped overseas contains several dozen personal care items, including toothpaste and toothbrush, moist wipes, lip balm, soap, shampoo, ear swabs, gum, candy, cookies, beef jerky, tuna and other items. Participants in “Victory Campaign 2011” will be eligible to participate in contests and events at TD Bank Ballpark exclusive to members throughout the season.

“Operation Shoebox New Jersey, along with the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club and thousands of volunteers, salute the men and women in uniform on the front lines who work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that those of us back home continue to enjoy our freedoms and the American way of life,” Hirsch said. All donations to Operation Shoebox New Jersey are tax deductible. Pledges will be accepted throughout the season. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Call (908) 698-0333 for further information. Registration > Brochure