Several properties organized collection drives, and the response from residents, board members, and associates was truly inspiring. Membership not only donated much-needed care items but also took the time to write heartfelt letters of encouragement to deployed service members. These personal messages serve as powerful reminders that our troops are appreciated and remembered by the communities they protect.

Participating properties included RiverWalk of the Palm Beaches, The Falls at Parkland Master, Miralago at Parkland Master, Polo Trace, Veranda Preserves, Valencia Shores, Valencia Lakes, Ponte Vecchio Homeowners Association and K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Delray Beach.

“Our team have been proudly supporting Forgotten Soldiers Outreach for many years, and it is something that means so much to me personally,” said Dawn Czarnecki, sr. regional director, FirstService Residential. “I am incredibly grateful for the family members and friends in my life who have served, as well as for the brave soldiers who are serving our country today.

Knowing that a simple care package from Forgotten Soldiers Outreach can bring a smile to a soldier’s face is truly humbling and inspiring. It’s a reminder that even the smallest gestures can have a meaningful impact.

Partnering with our communities to make a difference in the lives of these heroes is something that deeply moves me. It genuinely brings tears to my eyes, and I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful alongside such generous and compassionate people.”

The generosity culminated when FirstService Residential associates and board members from several communities came together to pack more than 30 care packages destined for deployed soldiers around the world.

Founded in October 2003, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach was created with a simple but powerful mission: to send a little piece of home to America’s deployed military personnel. The organization provides service members with essential care items, comfort supplies, and letters of encouragement through its monthly “We Care” packages.

Over the years, FSO has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, receiving support from individuals and communities across the country. Care packages are sent to deployed military personnel who have been registered by family members, friends, commanding officers, or the service members themselves.

As deployments continue around the globe, the need for support remains strong. Today, more than ever, the men and women serving our country benefit from the morale boost that comes from receiving a package filled with necessities, thoughtful gifts, and messages from home.

“The incredible support shown by FirstService Residential communities throughout the month of May has been truly inspiring. Homeowners, Board members, and staff came together at the different communities to collect thousands of We Care package items and contributed generous monetary donations to support our troops,” said Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, executive director and founder of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. 

“Their commitment to service and giving back exemplifies the extraordinary community support that makes our mission possible. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership and dedication to those who serve our nation.” 

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach proudly supports all branches of the United States Armed Forces—including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Special attention is given to those who receive little or no support from home, first-time deployers, and service members stationed in remote or high-risk locations.

At Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, support extends beyond the deployed service member. The organization also stands beside the families who wait at home and the patriots who give back, creating a network of encouragement that honors the sacrifices made by our military community.

We are grateful to all the residents, board members, and associates who contributed to this effort. Together, we helped deliver not only essential supplies, but also gratitude, encouragement, and a reminder to our troops that they are never forgotten.