Homemade cards headed to troops in war zone
By: JESSICA MUSICAR - For the North County Times

OCEANSIDE ---- To help troops serving in Iraq feel less blue this holiday, members of a local volunteer organization, a San Diego radio station and a group of supermarkets have collected thousands of handmade cards to send to the war zone.

So far, nearly 20,000 cards and letters have been collected by 62 Albertson's in San Diego and Riverside counties as well as by KISS 95.7. The cards were delivered Friday to the Oceanside office of Operation Interdependence, a national civilian-to-military delivery service, which organized the holiday cards effort.

Mary Ann Hillery, the ambassador of Operation Interdependence and a mother of a Marine stationed in Iraq, said the cards will be sent in boxes of civilian rations. She plans to send at least 80 boxes next week and hopes many will reach troops before the holidays.

"It's a message from home that people care and are being thought of," Hillery said. "It's very touching."

Many of the cards were created by schoolchildren, community members and even a few individuals from out of state, said Melissa Bunting, a producer for the "Tony and Kris in the Morning" show on KISS 95.7, the Real American Country station.

Bunting said her radio station became involved in the effort after managing two Valentine's Day card promotions for the troops. She said she sent cards written by listeners to troops through Operation Interdependence. She added that Operation Interdependence asked her to participate in this card drive.

"There are so many folks that aren't able to be with their families," Bunting said of the military. "I think just knowing that there is someone in the United States who really cares about what they are doing (is important).

"I think it's amazing, it just goes to show you how wonderful our listeners are and San Diegans are."Ý

The shipment of cards includes one created by a little girl named Sophia, who wrote: "Dear Hero, you should be extremely proud of yourself because you are not only helping me, Sophia, you are helping billions of people and giving us freedom."

Sophia, who is still learning to spell, wrote "P.S. ---- Be strong and remeber you're speshil."

Another card reads: "Probably your family misses you. I hope this card makes you feel great. Thank you for protecting our country."

Melissa Gonzalez, the education coordinator for the human resources department of San Diego Albertson's, said she was happy to help out, adding that the supermarkets have been collecting cards since Veterans Day.

"Why not do this, there was no effort on our part, it was our customers who really did it all for us," Gonzalez said "It's heartwarming and it makes you revaluate things."

Carol Grice, the area manager of Operation Interdependence and a retired Navy nurse, said the organization was launched in 2001 as an effective vehicle to send civilian rations to soldiers stationed overseas.

The group typically sends out 50 boxes or more full of snacks, toiletries, books and letters every month. She said the snacks and cards and notes boost morale, adding that the Christmas card drive will do the same.

For more information about Operation Interdependence, call (760) 724-8900 or visit www.oidelivers.org.