About Us

A transplant from CT, Kit and her Army veteran husband, Carmen settled in Tequesta, FL in 1980 where she became a volunteer at a local animal shelter in Jupiter for 26 years. Upon retiring from the shelter, Kit started searching for somewhere she could be effective.

One day while out shopping, she came upon a small group of people at a store entrance who were collecting assorted items for the military. After a short conversation with this group, Kit learned there was a need to support our troops. She approached her husband about placing a collection box for snacks and other needed items in his Tequesta business. From that single box, a Grass Roots organization was born!

We grew slowly for a few years until member Kathy Phelan recommended that we become a Non-Profit Organization; and from that, Operation Care for Heroes came to be! Never larger than 8 members from Jupiter, Tequesta, and Hobe Sound today we are proudly sending support to all branches of our Military worldwide.

Kathy always had a soft spot for the military and is married to a 35-year veteran airman, CMS Mike Phelan. After relocating from New Jersey to Florida, she was looking for a volunteer opportunity and found Kit Stewart-Legato at a fundraiser to send care packages to the troops in 2011. Kit welcomed Kathy onto the team. Kathy assisted in the naming of the organization, establishing the 501c3 nonprofit status and the use of technology to operate and share our mission. She is the owner of Re-Design Time, a decorating company in Jupiter and loves helping people with fresh color and style in their home.

  Mary, a retired administrator to the President of a chain of drug stores& privatization of pharmaceuticals to institutional providers in NY/NJ. Mary’s husband, a retired Vietnam combat wounded Marine, fought the fight, and later passed from those injuries at 58. Upon his passing, and in his honor, Mary had a mission to become a volunteer in some way connected to the military. She found our President, Kit Stewart Legato, & became a member of OCFH, in 2008. OCFH was a small local group of woman & had very few resources at its inception, but Mary & the team were dedicated to its mission. Over the years, OCFH has grown to a 501c3 non-profit. What began as an honor of her husband’s service & sacrifice, is now her passion to put the smiles on the deployed troops when they receive our care packages from home. Mission accomplished!

Coming soon..

Bev joined Operation Care For Heroes as a packing volunteer when her son was deployed to Afghanistan with the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Both her Mom and Dad were in the Marine Corps. Bev loved packing so much that she was asked to be the Packing Coordinator.

She treats every box that is shipped to the deployed troops as a gift! Bev has lived in Florida for 34 years and is also a licensed Realtor.

 I have always had so much respect for our service men and women who sacrifice so much for our Country. I remember during Operation Enduring Freedom being at the airport and witnessing a group of deploying soldiers. My first thought was…they are all so young! I just wanted to reach out to them in some way to give them comfort , help and reassurance that their service was so important and appreciated! I promised myself I would actively find a way to help them in any  possible way. I began helping a local group with events and then when I retired I officially joined Operation Care for Heros and have worked hard with this team of dedicated women who have made such a difference!

 Gail is a licensed clinical social worker who has been practicing in Jupiter for the past 25 years. Gail has always been involved in helping others and when she learned about Operation Care for Heroes over 10 years ago, she was excited to join a small local grassroots organization with a group of women who were passionate about showing support and appreciation for the military  who risk their lives for our country every day. 

Barbara is a veteran of the Marine Corp and spent 15 years in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. After retiring from the power company in upstate New York, she joined the Marine Corps League of PA and spent many years fundraising for service-related charities including care packages for the troops. A couple of years ago after moving to Florida, was looking to volunteer when she found Operation Care for Heroes. Barbara has been able to connect with other veterans to help spread our mission. In her spare time, she teaches arts and crafts at her mother's assisted living residence.