Christmas in July with Operation Gratitude at the D.C. National Guard Armory Washington, D.C. July 12 and 13, 2021

Members of the Maryland Gold Star Mothers joined Operation Gratitude yet again for two more amazing days of service.

For Operation Gratitude and their growing army of volunteers nationwide, the holiday spirit is in full swing this month. Together with CSX Pride in Service, Operation Gratitude is celebrating Christmas in July by shipping 10,000 Care Packages for Deployed Troops across the globe. Christmas is a time of togetherness, but we know our dear service members long for the familiar feeling of home year-round.

Donna Robinson, Basmattie Bishundat and Janice Chance from Maryland Gold Star Mothers joined volunteers from throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia to spread Christmas cheer to our nation’s servicemen and women deployed overseas. During this week alone, 5,000 individually addressed care packages will be assembled and then distributed to Deployed Troops in all corners of the world. All of the volunteers worked hard assembling those Care Packages — we filled the boxes with wonderful items donated by generous companies. But the most special items were the handmade scarves, paracord bracelets and letters that fill the boxes with love and let those men and women know that it’s a special Care Package.

Janice was invited to speak at the Assembly Day and used the opportunity to help remind the crowd of volunteers that they are truly making a difference by serving others.

With the help of Gold Star Moms and many volunteers nationwide, Operation Gratitude will continue to assemble and deliver care packages year-round as a physical representation of appreciation for our troops’ service and sacrifice.

Article written by Monica Shea