Continuing a six-year tradition, volunteers with “Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas” plan to send up to 8,000 holiday gift boxes as a gesture of thanks to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because of the buildup of troops in Afghanistan, special efforts are being made to send the majority of parcels there.
To reach that goal by the Nov. 20 target date for packing the boxes, Ruth Ann Young, the project founder and director, said donations of merchandise and cash are needed by Nov. 15. The Web site lists various ways to help and donate (www.operationiraq.org).
As in the past, Young said the all-volunteer, nonprofit effort relies on the generosity of individuals, service groups and churches to contribute “most desired items” as identified by the troops themselves. Special efforts are also underway to procure “Thanks, Troops appreciation artwork” created by children and a holiday greeting card with a handwritten note to include in each box.
“With the upcoming observance of Veterans Day, it would be wonderful if teachers could incorporate this invitation as part of their lesson plans and classroom activities. What better time to express appreciation to our troops,” Young suggested.
Project volunteers are also seeking a donated storage container (e.g., POD or other portable unit) for placement at the main collection site at Northwest College in Kirkland to use for storing donated items until they’re shipped. It would supplement space being donated by the college. Also needed are rolls of cellophane packing tape for sealing the gift boxes.
Other pressing needs Young identified are for gloves, white socks and crocheted, red, white and blue afghans. Among specific items being sought this year are small, travel size toiletries and individual servings of snacks, plus some “leisure time” materials, including (in order of greatest need):
“Thanks, Troops” Appreciation artwork from children, gloves, beef jerky (small individual pre-packaged), Zippfiz energy drink mix, lip balm eye wash, white socks, large chocolate bars, AA Batteries and more.
Merchandise may be delivered to the former Seahawks practice facility on the campus of Northwest College, 5520 108th Ave N.E. on Thursdays and Fridays from 1-6 p.m. Several businesses in Kirkland are also serving as collection sites, including Bank of America in Houghton and State Farm Insurance at 200 Central Way; other locations are listed in the “how to donate, volunteer or contact us” section of the Operaton Iraq Web site. Collection boxes will be provided to schools that volunteer to serve as collection sites. Requests may be made by contacting Young at 425-739-9627 or Christopher Martin at 425-823-1771.
