Operation Care Package

[SoxAddict]

Although I'm an early bird anyway, yesterday seemed particularly cruel when my alarm woke me at 4:30am on a Saturday. But it was all in a very good cause - "Operation Care Package".

I know I've mentioned that I volunteer with USO-New England, & yesterday was the first carepacking event that the region has ever hosted - spearheaded by the national USO organization in combination with Lockheed Martin, the main sponsors of the event.

It was held at Hanscom Air Force Base, north of Boston. It's about an hour's drive from me, so since we had a 6:30am start I had to get up a bit earlier than usual.

The day was a great experience and lots of fun. In total we packed over 10000 carepackages that will be sent to servicemembers overseas in time for the holiday. We wrapped things up around 1:30pm, but I think a fabulous day was had by all!

Just wanted to share some fun pics with you all anyway. Thanks to all of you in the Armed Forces, past and present.


I found it quite amusing that I was on duty at this station - packing "Lifesavers" for those that are the real lifesavers.



Members of all 5 branches of the Armed Forces volunteered to help, along with Lockheed Martin employees & USO volunteers. Everyone worked tirelessly, it was so much fun.



Girl Scouts of MA had collected letters & cards written by children, which were to be forwarded to servicemembers in their carepackages. Some LM employees brought their children as guests to help out yesterday, & this is Kelly who kept herself busy adding to the letter collection (I had permission from her dad to photograph her).



The proud finished product! Filled with care, & a little piece of home.

[bascott]

Nice set of pictures Nicky and thanks for volunteering, I know it must mean a lot to the service men and women who receive the packages!!

[jack russell]

nice thread Nicky, it leaves me proud to have you as a friend .. love the "assembly line" send them my regards ..

[JustJim]

Nice shots and good work by you and all the other volunteers. I promise you, from experience, that it is a good feeling knowing that the folks back home are thinking of you and appreciating what you are doing.

[Hayward Taylor]

Hi NIcky - hats off to you and all the other volunteers .. it's tiresome work but the benefit is worth it ... is it just yesterday or the weekend?

[FromtheBackofaHorse]

What a fun and rewarding way to spend a day. Thanks for all the work you put in on it.

I really like the assembly line shot.

[equilution]

That's awesome, Nicky!! Few causes are more noble or heartfelt than what you all did! Further testament to your great character...plus you ARE a character!! Great combination!!

Thanks for letting us see this even through your eyes!!

[stormfan]

A series of photos that reflect your skill behind the lens and the goodness in your heart.

Both are very admirable. Well done.

[lindyannajones]

I salute you, Niki. I grew up on a military base and remember GI homesickness and they were not so far from home. May each package bring a smile.

[scootsmom]

What a great set!!! The finished product looks wonderful!
As the mother of a Marine, who has deployed twice, I know exactly how much these care packages mean to all. My son often told me how he and others would share their packages with the guys who never recieved anything. Being away from home any time is hard, but of course it is even harder during the holidays.Everything they get is so greatly appreciated and so needed. Thank you for remembering the men and women in our military and supporting them all. God Bless.

Allyson