250 care packages sent to NMI soldiers

 Members of the community trooped to the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center Saturday morning to volunteer their time in preparing special Christmas presents for their sisters and brothers in military service.

Operation CNMI Home Front Support once again had a successful donation drive after yielding about 250 care packages, all of which were sent Saturday to CNMI service members deployed in different parts of the world.

Since the campaign started three years ago, over 1,000 care packages have been sent by the organization to service members during the holidays. Counting the 250 care packages this year, a total of 1,352 care packages have been shipped.

Saipan Tribune learned that there are between 500 and 600 military service members from the CNMI who are deployed around the world and the Commonwealth so far is the only state or territory holding a home front support for service members.

Geri Willis, team coordinator and founder of the annual activity, was elated about the overwhelming turnout of support to the campaign.

There were over 80 volunteers who took part in Saturday’s packing of donations and among them were students, employees of partner agencies, some lawmakers, and community members.

Although the biggest challenge throughout the campaign was obtaining the names and addresses of soldiers serving in various services, Willis said yesterday that community involvement and participation helped in this effort.

Willis thanked all the sponsors and volunteers who consistently poured in their support for the campaign. Including the shipping cost, which was also shouldered by major sponsors, everything in the care packages were donated, which included canned goods, newspapers and reading materials, letters from schoolchildren, and other items.

In each care package, a letter to soldier-recipient was attached emphasizing the community’s gratitude of their service and sacrifices.

The list of all sponsors and partners were also provided and they include Northern Marianas College, MCV, Docomo Pacific, American Red Cross, Bridge Capital, IT&E, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan, Public School System, Hafadai Productions, Inc., SDA Dental Clinic, Sorensen Media Group, Power 99, Tina Palacios, KZMI, KKMP, Betelnut Radio, Trench Tech, Genpro International, Herman’s Bakery, Saipan Southern High School, Beach Road Magazine, Saipan Tribune, Marianas Variety, Dr. Jack Hardy, Mt. Carmel, VFW, Stampers, Joeten Susupe, and Super Fresh Market.