Previous Story
Over 300 care packages mailed to CNMI service members
About 338 care packages were put together and prepared for CNMI service members by Operation Homefront last Saturday morning at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
This is the 7th edition of the annual CNMI Operation Homefront Support. Compared to last year, more care packages were sent out this year. Last year about 280 care packages were sent out.
CNMI Operation Homefront Support is a volunteer-led effort that sends out care packages to local soldiers deployed worldwide.
Operation Homefront founder Geri Willis said she started doing this annual packaging seven years ago and wanted to do something for the soldiers and knew that it was a great contribution “and we have been continuing this ever since.”
Willis said Nola Hix assumed the lead role of organizing the event last year.
Operation Homefront Support volunteers pose for a group photo Saturday morning at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe after helping put together about 338 care packages that will be mailed out to CNMI service members. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Saturday’s care packages included letters of support from school children, newspapers, magazines, maps, T-shirts, local canned foods, local favorite snacks and other items unique to the islands.
Willis noted that she has received emails of appreciation and support from the soldiers when they receive their care packages. Some would also send emails asking for local products to share with other foreign soldiers.
“I love it and I received one email from a soldier that he had seen in the newspaper about Operation Homefront and we sent him one care package. A few times, soldiers who have come back and those students who wrote the letter from different schools and put it in the packaging, they come back to the school and meet the student sometimes,” Willis said.
“We will continue this next year and we really appreciate what they do for us…and this is one way for the community to give back,” Willis said.
