Operation Gratitude

On MLK, Jr. Day, Kathy, Dan and I (Rich was sick and stayed behind) headed out to RFK Stadium to participate in Operation Gratitude where we helped put together care packages for soldiers. I think the goal for the day was 75,000 care packages and I believe the goal was not only met, but surpassed.

It was really well-organized. Each participant was given a large zip-lock bag and as you walked past a row of tables, other volunteers put items into your bag trick-or-treat style. At the end of the tables, you sealed up your bag, it went into a box (for shipping) and you got back in line to start again. I think we each did 15 to 20 bags, I lost count.

Once done, there were thank you cards to fill out that went into the boxes with the care packages.

You want to know the best thing? Everything was donated by Target. All the items that went into the care packages, the shipping materials, even "goody bags" for the volunteers (a Target shopping bag, a bottle of water and a brownie).

The second best thing was that it all took place inside a heated tent.