Operation Iraqi Children

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Operation Iraqi Children is a charitable program created by actor Gary Sinise and author Laura Hillenbrand to send school supplies to Iraqi children. OIC is a program functioning in partnership under People to People International (PTPI), an NGO with a U.S., not-for-profit [501(c)(3)] tax rating. The executive committee consists of Sinise, Hillenbrand and PTPI's President and CEO, Mary Eisenhower.

OIC has expanded its outreach program to children in Afghanistan, and children in the United States who were adversely affected by Hurricane Katrina. In recognition of our efforts, OIC was voted “Best Bridge Builder” of 2006 by Reader's Digest Magazine and has received an official letter of endorsement from the White House.

Supplies are distributed by U.S. and allied military forces. "I have seen Iraqi kids climbing on our soldiers and hugging them and kissing them," remembers Sinise, who accompanied Army soldiers to a dilapidated school they were rebuilding. "I have seen their smiling faces and their attempts to say 'I love you' in broken English. The folks I saw had hope in their eyes and gratitude in their hearts for what was done for them."

In March of 2004, actor Gary Sinise (Forrest Gump, Apollo 13) and author Laura Hillenbrand (Seabiscuit: An American Legend) announced the launch of Operation Iraqi Children, a program that will enable Americans to send School Supply Kits to Iraqi children.

Twice, OIC has been represented in meetings with President George W. Bush.

OIC was voted one of America’s 100 Best by Reader’s Digest in 2006.

OIC plans to next begin assisting children in the Horn of Africa, in countries with a US Military presence.