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Van Nuys, CA - December 3, 2008 - Following the assembly of over 50,000 care packages in just seven days, Operation Gratitude Director of Operations, Charlie Othold, announced today that the organization will reach a major milestone on Saturday, December 13, 2008: The shipment of its 400,000th CARE PACKAGE!!
Othold expects the 400,000th package to hit the Assembly Line between 11:00am-11:30am on Saturday, December 13th.
In addition to regular Wish List items and personal letters provided by more than 150 Corporate Sponsors and Friends, and by tens of thousands of individual donors across the country, the 400,000th Care Package will include several surprise gifts. A special delivery of the 400,000th package is being arranged.
Three previous Operation Gratitude milestone packages contained the keys to new vehicles. The 300,000th package was delivered personally in Iraq by Othold and founder Carolyn Blashek.
The winners of the online "Letters to Our Troops" Contest, sponsored by Rogers Family Coffee Company will also be announced and the Grand Prize Winning Letter will be read and placed into the 400,000th package.
An additional 12-15,000 care packages will be assembled and shipped during the December 13-14 weekend. "This is the last weekend to mail packages that can still reach the troops in time for Christmas," stated Robert Bender, Operation Gratitude Logistics Coordinator. "We intend to get out as many packages as is humanly possible," he added.
Military and Political dignitaries, along with representatives from many of the organization's Corporate Sponsors will join celebrities and cast members from popular TV shows to assist the Operation Gratitude volunteers assemble thousands of troop gifts, in addition to the 400,000th Care Package. Fun activities, delicious product samples and a hearty lunch will be provided by Corporate donors.
Media and press are invited to attend the Milestone Celebration and the lunch following the ceremony.
WHAT:
Operation Gratitude Volunteers assemble the 400,000th Care Package
WHEN:
Saturday December 13, 2008: Production starts at 9 a.m.; the 400,000th package assembly and celebration will occur between 11:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. Packing will continue from 1-4 p.m. on December 13 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 14th, 2008.
WHERE:
California National Guard Armory
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406 -- Corner of Victory and Louise
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