This marks the third year Northwest University has hosted Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas, started by Ruth Ann Young in 2003.

While Operation Iraq hasn’t always taken place on Northwest’s campus, students have been involved from the beginning. When asked why she has chosen to work with Northwest University, Young says “because they (students) have been with me since day one and there has always been a special bond.”

Since it began, over 43,500 Christmas packages have been sent to U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Packages include: nonperishable snacks and candy, toiletry items, phone cards, magazines, CDs, and handwritten notes.

Students and other volunteers gathered throughout the day on Nov. 21, to pack boxes.

“It was beautiful to see students gather and pack more boxes than ever before,” said Young.

The goal was to pack 7,000 boxes in two days.

“Because of the great work by students on Friday, and because of the awesome response from the community, we passed our goal and packed 7,600 boxes for our soldiers,” said Campus Pastor Phil Rasmussen.

This year’s goal of 7,000 boxes was intended to push the total number of boxes past 50,000. With the help of Northwest University students, staff, and faculty, as well as volunteers from the community, Operation Iraq surpassed that goal.

For more information about the Operation Iraq program, contact 425-739-9627.