Media Contact:

Miriam Dixon

Director of Marketing, South Valley Chamber of Commerce

miriam@southvalleychamber.com | 858-705-1207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

South Valley Chamber Launches Taste of Home Care Packages Service Project 

SANDY, Utah – As part of its recognition of America's 250th anniversary, the South Valley Chamber has launched its summer-long Taste of Home Care Packages service project to collect snacks, treats, and handwritten notes for active-duty service members. Donations will be accepted through Aug. 26, culminating in a community care package assembly event on Sept. 9 with a goal of packing 500 care packages.  

“It just felt right,” said Jay Francis, President and CEO of the South Valley Chamber. “These brave men and women deserve recognition for their sacrifice and if we can give them even a small reminder of home, this project will be a success.” 

Care packages will include shelf-stable snacks and comfort items recommended by members of the Utah National Guard and military veterans, including granola bars, candy, beef jerky, food flavoring, hydration packets, and handwritten notes of appreciation.  

The initiative debuted at the Chamber's Let's Do Lunch: South Valley Honors event, where around 100 attendees wrote thank-you cards for deployed service members following remarks from Nicole Handy, executive director of America250 Utah, and Steve Rosenvall, CEO of Alpha Warranty and a military veteran.  

“It was the little things that brought the most joy,” said Rosenvall. “When you’re out there, you crave that familiarity and comfort from home more than anything.”  

Community members can support the project by purchasing items through the Amazon registry, making monetary contributions, writing thank-you notes, attending the Sept. 9 packing event, or sharing the initiative with others. 

"Community has always been at the heart of the South Valley Chamber," said Francis. "We hope this project gives people a simple way to say thank you to those serving our country." 

More information, the Amazon registry, downloadable thank-you card templates, and event registration are available at www.southvalleychamber.com/taste-of-home/. 

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About the South Valley Chamber: 

The South Valley Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for business growth and connection across seven of Utah’s fastest-growing cities: Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman and Bluffdale.

Through strong partnerships with each city, the Chamber brings together entrepreneurs, small businesses, and corporate leaders to strengthen the region’s economic fabric. Guided by its four pillars—Connect, Educate, Advocate, and Grow—the South Valley Chamber provides the tools, relationships, and visibility businesses need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.