In the spirit of Legacy of Valor, a match benefiting local troops

In support of the Legacy of Valor campaign honoring veterans and their families in Southwest Florida, we announced during the Stories of Valor USO-style show Saturday night at McKechnie Field that we would match the more than $3,000 in donations made by Bealls customers to Manasota Operation Troop Support (MOTS).

The community promotion, which began in March through April 11, was created in collaboration with the Realize Bradenton and the Bradenton-based retailer as part of the “Stories of Valor” Legacy of Valor partnership. The donations will benefit local troops serving abroad and their families.

This show of support from our community is a testament to our outstanding partners like Realize Bradenton, caring businesses like Bealls and groups supporting veterans like MOTS.

MOTS, a local nonprofit supporting service members from Manatee and Sarasota counties before, during and after deployment, has been a beneficiary of several Legacy of Valor events since the campaign began last year. Since 2007, the group has helped local troops serving in the Middle East and elsewhere by sending them care packages of donated comfort goods and providing veterans’ families with necessities.

For more information about MOTS, please visit: http://mots-online.org/.