The Community Partner for Heroes at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is Operation Not Alone. A portion of the proceeds from the Pay-What-You-Will performance on April 22nd will go towards our Community Partner. There will be a donation box in the lobby during the run of Heroes, April 22nd through May 10, 2026. Those interested in attending the preview to support this organization, may arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the performance for general admission seating. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Donations may be made in cash or with checks made out to Third Avenue PlayWorks. Half of the proceeds will benefit this show’s Community Partner.
What is the mission of Operation Not Alone?
We are dedicated to ensuring that our heroes will never feel alone and will never feel forgotten. Operation Not Alone is an organization dedicated to helping our brave service members and veterans across the nation and overseas.
What are some of the main programs or services offered by Operation Not Alone?
We offer six different core services:
• Personalized Care Packages for active duty military members
• Annual Veteran Cheer Packages
• Never Alone Nursing Home Visits
• Who Is Your Hero? Presentations
• Girl Scout Patch & Programming
• College Intern Program
Can you share a meaningful or inspiring story from the past year highlighting your work?
One of our U.S. Army active-duty soldier recipients that was stationed overseas received one of our custom care packages. The box included a branch-specific handmade tie blanket, snacks, hygiene items, and heartfelt letters from the home front. He shared photos with us on Facebook and shared:
“This blanket is one of the most meaningful gifts I have received since being in this country.”
For this soldier, far from home, in service and sacrifice, our care package answered a deep need. It says: You are seen. You are remembered. You are not alone.
The handmade blanket became more than a physical item. It became our symbol of connection: volunteers had taken the time to craft comfort, collect snacks, and pen admonitions of thanks. The soldier reported that receiving the package sparked a shift in mindset: moving from isolation toward reassurance and belonging.
What are some of the challenges Operation Not Alone faces in carrying out its mission, and how are they addressed?
One of the ongoing challenges Operation Not Alone faces is the reality of being a 100% volunteer-run organization. Every member of our team donates their time outside of full-time jobs, school, and family commitments to fulfill our mission of supporting active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. While this occasionally limits the amount of time we can dedicate to program coordination, outreach, and fundraising, it also reflects one of our greatest points of pride: every donated dollar directly supports our care packages, veteran initiatives, and community programs — not administrative or salary overhead.
We address this challenge through careful coordination, strong communication, and a deep commitment to our shared purpose. Our volunteers work collaboratively to divide responsibilities based on individual strengths and availability, and we continually refine our systems to make our efforts more efficient. In addition, we cultivate partnerships with schools, community groups, and local businesses that extend our reach and lighten the logistical load on our volunteer base.
Despite the constraints of time, our team’s dedication ensures that every package, blanket, and note of encouragement is delivered with genuine care. The heart behind our all-volunteer model continues to be one of our organization’s greatest assets – and a testament to the passion that drives our mission forward.
Looking ahead, what are some of Operation Not Alone’s goals or priorities for the future?
Overall, our goal is to just keep growing. We have a great handle on the six services we currently offer and we want to keep increasing our numbers year over year! At ONA, we know that numbers aren’t just data to announce at the end of the year, or on a cute social media graphic, they are real people and real service members/veterans who need our support.
What is the best way for the community to support these efforts?
The most impactful way for the community to support Operation Not Alone is through monetary donations. Financial contributions allow us to purchase care package supplies, ship boxes overseas, and sustain our programs for both active-duty service members and veterans year-round. Because we are a 100% volunteer-run organization, every dollar directly funds our mission, not salaries or overhead, so even small donations make a tangible difference.
That said, we know many people also love to give their time. We welcome volunteers to join us for care package assembly days, where community members of all ages can help pack boxes, write thank-you notes, and tie handmade blankets for our deployed heroes. These events are not only productive, they’re also powerful reminders of the connection between our local community and those serving around the world.
Another meaningful way to get involved is by nominating active-duty service members or veterans to receive a care or cheer package. We accept nominations throughout the year, ensuring that our mission of connection and encouragement reaches as many heroes as possible.
Whether through donations, volunteering, or nominations, every form of support helps us remind our service members and veterans that they are never alone.