Approximately 30 members of Malibu Republican Woman, Federated, and other neighbors, recently packed more than 750 gift bags for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan who will not be home for the holidays. The packing party, which took place at the Malibu Park home of Julie Post, was organized by local Operation Interdependence leader Cindy Linke and coordinated by Claire Vopatek.
Each “goodie bag” contains an assortment of popular items, including telephone cards, sports magazine articles, DVDs, baseballs, a “You Are My Hero” button, snacks and toiletries. Female troop packages also include moisturizers, cosmetics and nail care products. Also included is a personalized handwritten note or an embroidered prayer square by local students and residents. Several schools, including four classes from Juan Cabrillo Elementary, participated in the program.
MRWF is hosting its next “packing party” in the Spring. To join in the event, which is nonpartisan, send an e-mail to annfulton10@aol.com.