Bob’s Discount Furniture, Joe Gibbs Racing prep 1,000 USO Care Packages

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Two dozen employees with Bob’s Discount Furniture and Joe Gibbs Racing worked side-by-side, assembling 1,000 USO Care Packages for deploying North Carolina service members on Nov. 20, 2025.

The event highlighted a partnership between both companies and reflected their shared commitment to keeping service members connected to home while honoring the sacrifices of those who serve.

“As a veteran and the father of an active service member, supporting military personnel and organizations like the USO is deeply meaningful on a personal level,” said Bob’s Discount Furniture CEO Bill Barton. “As an organization, volunteering at events like this allows us to honor those who give so much.”

Each care package included snacks, toiletries, and handwritten notes of appreciation.

“Any time you do these kinds of things you think of who’s receiving it on the other end and that’s really special,” said Eric Schaffer, Joe Gibbs Racing Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We’re proud to be affiliated with this program, because our employees want to be a part of it. It means a lot to our people here so we’re going to continue hosting as many of these events as we can.”

The event also underscored an enduring commitment to the USO by Joe Gibbs Racing as this organization has held packing events in their facility since 2022.

“It’s important to us that we think of our military, because we have a lot of veterans who work for us,” said Eric. “We’re proud to host the USO here and do anything we can to help.”

Of the volunteers on hand, one veteran received similar care packages from the USO when serving abroad on multiple occasions, which made his participation even more special.

“Morale is huge so when we know the community and businesses are behind everyone, it makes us feel a lot better about what we’re doing,” said Rich Smith, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve with the 810th Medical Company in Cary, North Carolina. “This company isn’t just about making a profit. I’m glad people know we’re here to help others.”

Since its founding in World War II, the USO Care Package Program has evolved into a global initiative for service members who are in the process of deploying, are currently deployed, or are stationed overseas.

“This is a great partnership,” said Rich, who’s also the General Manager for Bob’s Discount Furniture in Fayetteville, North Carolina. “It’s outstanding to be a part of a company that really cares about the troops so it’s near and dear to my heart that we can come here and donate our time to the USO.”

As volunteers prepped the last care package for shipping, Bob’s Discount Furniture CEO Bill Barton presented the USO with a check for $11,000.

“Bob’s partnership supports the USO in multiple meaningful ways,” said USO Corporate Alliances Director Megan Nelson. “Not only do they contribute financially to strengthen our mission, but their generous furniture donations help transform our centers into warm, comfortable, and welcoming spaces. Their support ensures service members and their families have an inviting place to relax, connect, and recharge.”

In addition to their care package sponsorship, Bob’s Discount Furniture is supporting the USO through their Café Collections for a Cause and Plushies for Charity programs.

“Partnering to raise awareness and support for our service members and their families is powerful because collaboration amplifies impact in ways that we can not achieve alone,” said Megan. “Many of the programs that support service members and their families require sustained investment, and thanks to partners like Bob’s Discount Furniture, the USO is able to ensure that military service members and families have access to the resources, connection, and support they deserve—year-round and around the world.”

For more information about this USO program, or to request care packages for a U.S. military unit, visit www.uso.org/programs/uso-care-package-program.