Operation Gratitude Third Annual Holiday Drive [Care Packages for U.S. Troops]

Operation Gratitude website ^ | November 3, 2005 | Carolyn Blashek

[La Enchiladita]

Over Veteran's Day Weekend, November 10-13, Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization, will kick-off its Third Annual Holiday Drive, assembling and mailing over 30,000 care packages to deployed troops for delivery by the Holidays.

Operation Gratitude's ( www.operationgratitude.com ) mission is to put a smile on a service member's face, lift morale, and express the appreciation of the American people for the sacrifices of the men and women defending our freedom. To date, Operation Gratitude has sent more than 71,500 care packages to individual troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Guantanamo, Bosnia, Kosovo and onto ships all over the world.

Throughout the Veteran's Day Weekend, Operation Gratitude, together with the California Army National Guard, 746th QM BN and more than 1000 volunteers, including the cast and crew of the hit TV series, NCIS, will assemble and ship at least 30,000 Holiday Care Packages filled with assorted snacks, Girl Scout Cookies, Computer Flash Drives, DVDs, CDs, games, stuffed animals, t-shirts, toiletries and personal letters of support.

[La Enchiladita]

Southern California FReepers: there will be many opportunities to participate in the holiday drive, over Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving holiday weekends.

[Dan Nunn]

I remember doing this last year when working at a Jeep dealership. It's a marvelous cause, simply drop your goods off at your neighborhood Jeep store.

God Bless our troops!

[La Enchiladita]

Troop support ping.
Have your troops sign up for packages.
Also, under "How to Help," you are welcome to write letters -- and especially have children write letters -- to be included in care packages!

[La Enchiladita]

Thanks, Dan!

[tropical]

Thanks for posting this reminder! It's a great way to get in the holiday spirit and show gratitude for those who serve.

[GodBlessUSA]

That's a great website Dita. I see they have some stores to send gifts to the Troops for the holidays too.

I'm checking our local Jeep dealer to see if they are accepting donations. Thanks so much for your ping! :)

[Humal]

Is this just for California? We live in Florida.

[Just A Nobody]

Thanks for the ping Dita! Great way to show the troops our love and support!

[victim soul]

Thanks for the reminder and address.

God bless and protect or troops!!

[facedown]

bump

[La Enchiladita]

Operation Gratitude is based in California, and it is here that we assemble the care packages. Donations are welcome from all over the country.

I admit it is great fun to get together with dozens of other troop supporters to put packages together. And I'm sorry I don't know of a similar organization in your area.

[La Enchiladita]

Thanks for stopping by. I'll give a report after my shift at the Armory on Friday!

[La Enchiladita]

Sending love to all the troops ...

... care packages comin' atcha.

[La Enchiladita]

Bumpin'

A great time was had by all yesterday at the Armory, as we easily put together a few thousand care packages for troops. Full report next Monday.

[Just A Nobody]

Thanks for all you do to support our troops Dita!

All - the follow up reprot is here
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1517583/posts