Veterans Post: Operation Gratitude reaches milestone

On Dec. 7, Operation Gratitude reached a significant milestone: It sent the one-millionth care package to service members around the globe. That meant sending more than 100,000 individually addressed care packages each year, accomplished with the aid of hundreds of volunteers in Van Nuys, Calif.

The lucky recipient of the one-millionth package didn’t just get a box full of high-value gifts, entertainment items and hand-written letters of appreciation — the service member will come home to a new Ford F-150 pickup truck.

During the past 10 years, OpGrat has grown as more and more volunteers have stepped forward to help, and the reach of the packages has expanded. It now includes veterans, first responders and Wounded Warriors, as well as active-duty personnel in hostile areas.

How can you help? It costs $15 to mail each package. Consider making a $15 tax-deductible donation four times a year to OpGrat, to coincide with their quarterly mailings. You can donate online at its website — www. OperationGratitude.com — or you can send a check to:

Operation Gratitude 16444 Refugio Road Encino, CA 91436

You also can keep an eye on twitter.com/OpGratitude; and facebook.com/OperationGratitude.

If you’re crafty, check the website for instructions on how to make handmade scarves, paracord bracelets (sent to first responders) and bandana cool-ties for the packages. If you’re part of a group, look for fundraising ideas or assemble Care Kits to go in the individual packages. Write letters of appreciation to go in each package. Check the website for the list of most-needed items, as these change from time to time. Contact OpGrat at 262-674-7281 for shipping instructions, as the address above isn’t for shipments.

Freddy Groves regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Send email to [email protected].