Care Packages for the Troops (Chatsworth)

Hi. If you are using the Meetup mobile app on your phone, look down a few lines below and tap the red-colored "Read more" to expand the description.

TAP THIS ---------

If you are using a computer or laptop/notebook, then you should be fine.

Okay, everybody should now be able to see the full description on their screen.

Reminder for everyone: If Meetup sends too many emails, then look at the bottom of their email and click Unsubscribe or Manage your settings or account page.

Recommended for anyone new to this group or volunteering for the first time:

https://www.meetup.com/SoCalVolunteers/events/154414682

____________________________________________

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQVlX0YXzeY

"Operation Gratitude (https://www.operationgratitude.com) annually sends 200,000+ care packages filled with food, entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, plus personal letters of appreciation to Veterans, First Responders, New Recruits, Wounded Heroes, their Care Givers, and to individually named U.S. service members deployed overseas and their families waiting at home."

____________________________________________

Note: Yes, Chatsworth is geographically far for some people, but compared to what service members do (and have done) on our behalf, raising awareness about this event is worthwhile and meaningful. If distance is an issue, maybe coordinate with others for carpooling. If it's still too far, other ways to help include writing cards & letters or knitting scarves & hats.

https://www.operationgratitude.com/writeletters

https://opgrat.wordpress.com/2014/01/17/scarves-for-troops

____________________________________________

Important: This is posted in advance, and sometimes they reschedule; so please check their website to confirm this is the correct date and time:

http://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer-information-schedule

Redundant Reiteration: The most up-to-date, accurate, and current date and time is on their website, so regardless of what this meetup page says, please check their volunteer schedule: http://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer-information-schedule

Look for the date and time in red font, and click on it to register.

____________________________________________

This volunteer event can get pretty busy with many volunteers. Sometimes it may "seem" like there are too many people, but they usually try to get everyone involved with something productive to do.

If anyone wants to help distribute on the assembly line, going early is recommended because it's popular and other volunteers seem to enjoy helping with that, so arriving early may improve one's chances of getting assigned with that role.

If helping with the care packages, sometimes if they have many volunteers, some standing/waiting in line may occur. Thank you for being open-minded and patient.

____________________________________________

“Assembly” work includes production of the care packages, labeling, taping, custom forming, letter reading and writing, running packages, re-stocking the lines, breaking down cartons and many other tasks."

"As in the past, we welcome children ages 12 and older; those ages 12-16 must have a responsible adult with transportation on the premises at all times. Due to insurance, liability and safety concerns, we must strictly adhere to these rules–there are no exceptions."

"All volunteers must sign a Release Form (parents/guardians must sign for minor under 18). To download and print, please click here: RELEASE FORM (http://www.operationgratitude.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/0-RELEASEFORM2-revisedOCT20132.pdf)"

____________________________________________

Their photos should show what to expect:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/OperationGratitude/photos/?tab=albums

Photos:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.810553499054695

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.614858401957540

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.482877238488991

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.462603643849684

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.462931503816898

Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BOXwV8GtBg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02tcb7b34do

____________________________________________

More info/details are on their website - http://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer-information-schedule

The facility is "near the intersection of Lassen St and Variel Ave (between Topanga Canyon Blvd and De Soto Ave; south of the 118 Freeway)."

Plenty of free parking is available.