Harry & David

I got an advertising e-mail from Harry & David. Since we'd recently received a lot of Harry & David snacks at the USO, I wrote to their Customer Service. Here's the way cool e-mail exchange:

Customer (Bonnie Bachenheimer) 05/18/2009 07:10 AM I am Duty Manager at the USO, Army Camp Virginia in Kuwait. We received boxes of care kits which included bags and bags and bags of Harry & David snacks which I assume were donated by you. The troops LOVE the snacks, especially the pear chips, garlic pretzels, pretzel twists, roasted almonds, snack mixes, wasabi peas, etc. I just wanted to say thank you and let you know that your generosity is very much appreciated by the staff of the USO and especially by the hundreds of American troops passing through. Thank you so very much. Bonnie B.

Response (Andrea H.) 05/18/2009 08:59 AM Dear Bonnie Bachenheimer:What a great note to receive! Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to correspond with us. I have copied our press release below about the promotion Harry & David had with USO.

HARRY & DAVID SNACKS HEADED FOR THE TROOPS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN USO AND HARRY & DAVID PROGRAM MEANS TROOPS CAN SOON LOOK FORWARD TO SOME DELICIOUS TREATS MEDFORD, OR. April 22, 2009-Harry & David snacks are headed to the troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan thanks to the generosity of Harry & David customers throughout the U.S. Starting in early February there have been special drop off containers at each one of the 141 Harry & David stores in 38 states, where customers were able to deposit Harry & David snacks they had purchased for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. In a partnership with the USO's Operation USO Care Package ("OUCP") program, Harry & David will now ship the packaged snacks to be included in the OUCP care packages for distribution to troops stationed in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Harry and David contributed additional snacks, packaging and shipment to the USO as their part of the program. "I am pleased that nearly 25,000 snacks are headed to our troops stationed in these distant countries. The value of these snacks exceeds $100,000. The thoughtfulness of our customers will be much appreciated by our men and women in uniform." said Bill Williams, President/CEO of Harry & David. He went on to say, "We thank our customers for their generosity and extend our sincere appreciation to the USO for partnering with us to make this possible."

"The USO is so grateful for the generous gifts that both Harry & David and their customers are donating to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. With little access to these types of delicious snacks while deployed overseas, every bite will lift their spirits and remind them of the comforts of home," says Sloan Gibson, USO president.

Harry & David snack items that were accepted for gifts for the troops included bagged non-chocolate snacks, bagged nut selections and trail mixes.

Again, thank you for the wonderful note. If we can be of any assistance, please let us know and we will be happy to help!
Best Wishes,
Andrea H.
Harry & David
E-Services