Operation Gratitude sends 100,000+ care packages each year to U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions, their children left behind, veterans, first responders, wounded warriors and their care givers.  Packages are individually addressed and filled with snacks,letters of appreciation, personal and entertainment items.

Packages are  assembled at the Army National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California for safety and security. Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 915,000 packages.

In February, Be A Light volunteers spent the morning assisting Operation Gratitude with “Prep” and “Assembly Day” tasks.

“Prep” work includes sorting donated items, folding shirts, screening letters, and otherwise preparing the products for Assembly Days. In addition, if time allows,  instructions and materials are provided  for making Paracord Survival Bracelets.

“Assembly Day” work includes production of the care packages, labeling, taping, letter reading and writing, running packages, re-stocking the lines and breaking down cartons.

Check us out in action below.