Gift boxes make holiday giving easy

  • Published
  • By Kevin L. Robinson
  • DeCA public affairs specialist
Commissary customers who want to help members of their community in need or donate to their favorite charity have an option at their local commissary. 

The Defense Commissary Agency has stocked pre-made holiday gift boxes which include stuffing mix, coffee, mixed nuts, gelatin, macaroni and cheese, a cheesecake mix, and a special $3 coupon good for a future purchase. 

The gift box program was born from an idea by DeCA East Deputy Director Robert Vitikacs to sculpt a commercial store concept into a one-time promotion special for military commissaries in the United States, said Rick Page, DeCA's chief operating officer. 

"We recognize that at this time of year our customers want to help those in their communities who are less fortunate," Mr. Page said. "These gift boxes are a convenient way for our authorized customers to give during the holidays." 

At Malmstrom, the gift boxes are located just inside the main doors in the center of the specialty items display. 

"A lot of people like to donate during the holidays," said Jerry Contreras, Malmstrom
Commissary store administrator. "We have a special shopping cart located in front of the cashier stands for anyone who wants to purchase a gift box and then donate it. All of the donations we collect will be turned over to the first sergeants here to distribute to those on the base in need." 

The product mix bears the advantage of having a long shelf life while helping to make the holidays a bit more enjoyable for those who receive the gift boxes, said Charlie Dowlen, promotions manager for DeCA's sales directorate. But he advised customers not to wait to purchase their boxes. 

"Once a store's supply is exhausted there will not be a resupply," he said, "This is a special one-time buy for DeCA, and we owe thanks to our industry partners for helping our customers simplify their holiday giving." 

The Malmstrom Commissary received 60 boxes, which sell for less than $17 each. They are packaged and ready to go into the mail, if necessary, or wrapped for a gift to give. In addition, the Commissary has gift checks available for purchase for $25 each. Other denominations of gift checks can be purchased online at www.commissaries.com.