All across the country, we will have cause to celebrate on Saturday, December 17, 2011 as the 750,000th Operation Gratitude Care Package rolls off the assembly line at the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys, California!
Up to 1000 volunteers and supporters are expected to join the Operation 
Gratitude Assembly Day for this Milestone Celebration. Volunteers and Supporters like you make all this possible. We could not touch the lives and hearts of so many of our courageous service members and their families without you.
With your help this past year, we launched two new programs: Wounded Warrior and Battalion Buddy Care Packages. Due to the popular demand for these packages, Operation Gratitude shipped a record 150,000 care packages in just one year…. This brings us to our 750,000th care package!
The Assembly Line will open at 9 a.m. We expect the 750,000th package to hit the line at around 11:15 a.m. PST, to the cheers of up to 1,000 Volunteers, Military members, Dignitaries, Legislators, and Celebrities. When that happens, we will halt all activity, gather everyone together, and start the Celebration!
In addition to the standard items and personal letters provided by more than 250 corporate donors and by individuals and volunteer organizations across the country, the 750,000th Care Package will include Top Secret Surprises for a Top Secret Warrior, brought to us by none other than Santa Claus. Expect exciting and classically American gifts donated by our Corporate Partners to be put in the Milestone box. Six previous Operation Gratitude milestone packages contained the keys to new vehicles (motorcycles and SUVs)! A special delivery of the 750,000th Package is being arranged as
we speak.
As part of the Milestone Celebration, there will also be a variety of delicious product samples and a hearty lunch, provided by Corporate and local business donors.
Volunteers (ages 12 years and up) are invited to assist in the on-site care package activities.
Please keep in mind, Financial Donations are still needed to pay the assembly and postage costs of $15 per care package.
Every t
ax deductible donation of $15 sends another care package, personally addressed to an American hero, and filled with 50+ assorted snack, entertainment and personal care items valued at $100 or more.
Please ensure that every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine deployed in harm’s way, and every recuperating Wounded Warrior, feels loved and appreciated this holiday season. Please donate online today.
If you prefer to send donations by check, please make payable and mail to:
Operation Gratitude
P.O. Box 260257
Encino, California 91426-0257
Thank you again for your tremendous support of our mission. We hope you will share the excitement of our 750,000th Care Package Celebration!
Time:
Care Package Assembly: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebration and Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We invite you to stay for lunch following the celebration and to continue assembling packages until 4 p.m.
More Links:
For additional volunteer information: Volunteer
To learn how you can help: Support Activities
Donate while you shop: Great Ideas
To Request Care Packages for Deployed Troops: Request Packages
Operation Gratitude Blog 
I saw your story on the Sunday Morning show today and I was so moved. Amazing what one woman can do. Thank you so much for spreading the love to so many of our sons and daughters overseas!
You also have a fantastic blog. It is so easy to navigate and clearly tells your story. Kudos!
Thanks again and Merry Christmas to YOU!
Warmly,
Catherine
Thank you for your kind comments and support, Catherine!
Thank you for all you guys do from your friend to the north!
Dave – @Thankasoldier
Thank YOU, Dave, for all YOU do and have done! We appreciate your support!