Troop Support Packing Party Jan 22nd

Please join us on Tues, Jan 22nd between 9am-1pm at the Pt. Dume Mobile Home Park Clubhouse, 29500 Heathercliff Rd. as the Malibu Chapter of Operation Interdependence invites the public to help assemble support packages and write letters to improve the morale of forward deployed service personnel, military families and veterans at local VA facilities.

We have so many letters written by fabulous Malibu residents as well as visitors to various civic events which we participated in over the past year and it's time to send them onward.   We would appreciate sharing the magic of these words while you add a personal touch of your own through assembling a variety of items to accompany the letter.  There will be tables set up for writing your own letter to a deserving person in uniform and a section specifically set up to write letters and send packages to the crew of the USS John Paul Jones which was moored off Malibu Pier summer of '11 if you would like to help to continue the wonderful bonds that were built with the crew over a long weekend.  The crew certainly remembers Malibu and several that I've spoken with continue to hold Malibu as the best port in the entire world, when pressed as to why Malibu? the answer was the warm reception that they received while on shore from Malibu's people and visitors.  Thank you once again for the love that was showered on them and the open arms that greeted them to make them feel so connected, respected and appreciated.

Can't make the party next Tues but still want to participate?  We're accepting letters (will be shipping packages about 10 days after the party) and always appreciate donations whether they be items or financial support.  I've attached a flyer with contact information if you have bulk supplies of items such as DVDs, CDs, snacks, LIP BALM (desperately need more lip balm/chapstick), lotion, drink mixes, etc.  I will answer any inquiries on this blog posting as well if you are interested in sponsorship or donations or hosting a letter-writing event.

Thank You to our local schools for every single letter and all words of encouragement that we receive from the youth of Malibu - each of you bring the best this town has to offer to the table and we value every individual for each contribution.  A lot of letters were collected at civic events such as the Malibu Arts Festival and Malibu Kiwanis Chili Cook Off where we thoroughly enjoy the multitude of stories and experiences that are shared with us.  The Boys and Girls Club came through in a huge way more than once, we always enjoy being invited to programs held there and look forward to more opportunities in the future.

Huge appreciation and a public Thank You! to Wendi Werner for hosting a collection location at her place of business.  The clients of Wendi have a special place in our hearts for the way that they responded and delivered letters, donations and items of very high quality that will be valued by the recipients that are lucky to receive them.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 22nd and come even if you only have a short window of time to participate or just observe.  It's a phenonmenal group and I guarantee you'll leave with a smile on your face, song in your heart and a lighter step to your walk - people come thinking that they are doing something good for someone else and leave with a sense of wonderment and pride for our community's embrace of our military forces.