It’s a different sort of Navy that will lend a helping hand to our country’s brave troops this weekend, as Old Navy launches the third annual Operation Troop Donation collection drive.

A press release from Old Navy shared that the event is a joint effort between the store and Operation: Care and Comfort (OCC). Old Navy is encouraging shoppers to donate such daily essentials as underwear, t-shirts, socks, and flip-flops, as well as personal care items like hand sanitizers, lip balm, and sun screen, for inclusion in care packages that will be sent to U.S. troops serving overseas.

Julie DeMaria, president and co-founder of OCC, shared: “Operation: Care and Comfort is thrilled to continue ‘Operation Troop Donation’ with Old Navy in 2011… The enthusiastic support by the public to our cause is humbling, and the outpouring of gratitude from our military personnel abroad and at home has been tremendous. We can’t wait to do it again, and thank Old Navy for their ongoing support of our service members, Veterans and their families.”

Old Navy president Tom Wyatt, on the other hand, said: “Old Navy is proud to continue our support of the men and women who serve our country… Operation Troop Donation is a great way to allow our customers to show their support as well.”

Old Navy shoppers who will participate in the collection drive will receive a little something in return for their generosity towards our country’s brave defenders: 10% off on their entire purchase that day. Interested Old Navy customers may drop off donations in boxes located at all 1,000 Old Navy store locations across the country, from Friday, July 1, until Monday, Independence Day.