JERSEY CITY, NJ – As America prepares to observe Memorial Day and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation, The Provident Bank is partnering with Operation XO to send much-needed care packages to our troops serving in remote locations in Iraq and Afghanistan. From May 21 to June 8, each of Provident’s 80 plus branches will collect donations of toiletries, snacks and other in-demand items.

Operation XO is a nonprofit organization – started by two Army wives, Heather McKnight Hamilton and Amanda Riker – that provides basic items, including non-perishable single-serve meals and toiletries, to troops stationed in hard-to-reach areas. Amanda’s mother, Doreen Noonan, is a commercial loan coordinator at Provident and suggested that the bank serve as a donation site. Noonan’s husband is also currently serving overseas.

“Thousands of troops stationed in remote locations and combat zones have limited or no access to basic items, like deodorant and sun block. The military can only supply so much,” said Noonan. “Some don’t even have access to running water – something we take for granted every day. With help from the community, Operation XO will send packages of snacks, toiletries and other necessities to our troops to help improve their quality of life.”

In addition to branches serving as drop-off locations, Provident will cover the shipping costs for the first 100 packages collected.

Richard Vaill, business development officer at Provident, served on active duty as a Logistics Officer with the 2nd Marine Division in Desert Storm, and said receiving packages from “home” is always deeply appreciated.

“Care packages help bring some of the comforts of home to our troops. It’s important for us to let them know that we’re thinking of them and appreciate their service,” said Vaill. “These small items can make a big difference. What better time to show our support than in the spirit of Memorial Day?”

For a list of items to donate, visit www.operationxo.org and click on Get Involved. To find a Provident branch location, visit www.ProvidentNJ.com or call 800-448-PROV (7768).

About The Provident Bank

With $4.9 billion in deposits, The Provident Bank (www.providentnj.com) serves its customers via a network of more than 80 branches throughout northern and central New Jersey. The Provident Bank is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $6.8 billion as of March 31, 2010.

The post Provident Serves as Temporary Outpost for “Operation XO” first appeared on River View Observer.