Larry and Sharon Carrico and the entire Rent One family kicked off the 2009 fundraising campaign for the Jefferson County Operation Iraqi Freedom Committee (JCOIF) with a $500 donation.

The organization raises funds to purchase holiday gift cards for Jefferson County troops currently serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Last year's effort–the sixth for the JCOIF–was a record breaker with close to $40,000 raised, providing each of the 51 troops from the area with a $750 military exchange gift card to use at any military exchange site, including online. Cards this year will be mailed by late November.

Rent One Employment Development Specialist David Keen helped start the organization and serves as its co-chair. Keen, a retired Army Master Sergeant and veteran said he's seen tremendous growth of the fundraiser which raised $6,200 its first year.

"I’m very proud to work for an organization that recognizes the important commitment our warriors are making," Keen said. "It’s great that Rent One has stepped up and helped to kick off this campaign for the second year in a row."

Other JCOIF fundraising events include a pork chop cook-off, bowling tournament, and gospel concert. For more information contact Keen at DKeen@shoprentone.com.

JCOIF officials Sherri Meadows and Joyce Coorman accept a check from Rent One CEO Larry Carrico while Rent One Employee Development Manager David Keen, Operations Vice President Murray Beck, and President Trent Agin look on with other members of the JCOIF Committee.