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Operation Iraq: Spirit of Christmas needs your help

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Contact: Ruth Anne Young, (425) 802-7884 test

Kirkland, WA - - For three years now Ruth Ann Young and many volunteers have shown their passion for recognizing our military over the holidays. “ These Americans are so far from home during the Christmas season... Until we bring them back to their families, they need to know we recognize their sacrifices” Ruth Ann said.

Though she hasn’t had a chance to visit Iraq she has done the next best thing. Since 2003 Ruth Ann has been the driving force behind “Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas”. The organization ( www.thespiritofchristmasusa.com ) has sent Christmas boxes containing wonderul goodies to front line troops in all branches of the armed forces.

Speaking of past efforts, General R.J. Seitz wrote, "In all my many years of association with the military I have never seen or heard of a more generous action of support….I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your magnificent and generous contribution to the welfare and morale of all American troops serving in Iraq". The group has also received the Raytheon Award for it successful efforts.

“We have gotten a late start this year and need help and more donations to make this as succesful as possible” said Ruth Ann. We have gotten our first major donation from Mid West of Cannon Falls Minn. of 9,000 world famous pewter serenity dove ornaments. ( worth $96,000) “We need our youth to help pack boxes, and adults to help pick up items from local merchants to go in the boxes.” Some of the items the organization is looking for include magazines, paperback books, eye drops, lip balm, nonperishable snacks and candy, powdered juice mix and toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, sunscreen, baby wipes, etc.). Also to be included this year are CDs (holiday and other music), “Thanks, Troops” artwork by kids, letters and notes of appreciation from youngsters and Holiday greeting cards. And to finish things-off they need packing material and packing tape.

The location of the operation is 12015 115th Avenue NE, Suite E110, Kirkland, WA.98034 (Totem Lake area)

Anyone interested in donating their time, items for the packages or to make a financial contribution can contact:
Ruth Ann Young at (425) 802-7884
or
Tim Matson at 206-235-1233.

Yes, we are at it again!

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

The U. S, troops will receive holiday gift boxes this year from Kirkland’s "Operation Iraq : The Spirit of Christmas" project.

We welcome Tim Matson and Lucy DeYoung on board. They have stepped up to the plate and are assisting Kirkland retailer Ruth Ann Young who organized last year’s effort, and successfully sent 14,000 boxes to our military in Iraq.

We were feeling that our time was running out, and Mid West of Cannon Falls announced their pewter "Serenity Dove" would be accompanying these wonderful gift boxes to our troops this year, a $96,000 donation. Interestingly enough inscribed with: "We never know how good we are until we are called to rise", by Emily Dickinson. A clear message to Ruth Ann Young these packages were once again meant to be sent!

Alliance Packaging of Redmond is also donating many of the shipping boxes. Kiwanis Club is also giving their support. The location will be up and ready to see many volunteers by the end of this week, thanks to Trammell Crow Company of Totem Lake for supplying us with our headquarters for 2005! We would like to say Thanks to Lucy DeYoung of Woodinville for assisting us with this. Seneca's apple chips, Tim's Cascade chips, and many others have jumped on board as well. Cedar Park Christian School, Bellevue Christian are participating, preparing initial art work, with letters of appreciation, and are anxiously scheduling their times for packing these precious Christmas boxes! The transportation being also taken care of right to the front lines, Tim Matson promised. Rainier Consulting Services of Seattle is providing web design and maintenance services.

"This project has taken on a life of its own, and the outpouring of support is very uplifting", while acknowledging this year's goal has not been set, is definitely encouraged to be packed by our local youth! Boys and Girls Clubs, Scouts, schools are invited to call and schedule their times.

The "Operation Iraq" project is a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort that began mid-year 2003 after Young's "Spirit of Christmas" shop in downtown Kirkland incurred smoke damage from a fire at a neighboring business. Unable to replace her merchandise in time for the 2003 holiday season, she converted her store into a workshop for packing gift parcels for service members. Setting a goal of 1,000, then proceeded to send 6,700 to Fort Riley Kansas, and transported to Iraq. Many details located on website http://www.thespiritofchristmasusa.com, including donations and volunteer information.

And General R.J. Seitz wrote, "In all my many years of association with the military I have never seen or heard of a more generous action of support….I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your magnificent and generous contribution to the welfare and morale of all American troops serving in Iraq". This letter is proudly displayed for everyone to enjoy with the Patriotic tree at The Spirit of Christmas, along with the "Raytheon Award".

"Our Young Americans will not be forgotten this Christmas"

We are off and running again at:

12015 115th Ave N.E., Suite 110
Kirkland, Washington 98034

All donations can be made to:

Operation Iraq
POBox 646
Kirkland, Washington 98083

Ruth Ann Young, The Spirit of Christmas: 425-739-9627
Tim Matson: 425-885-1771