A group of Rolling Hills church members have chosen as their holiday ministry a project that remembers service men and women in Iraq in a special way. For the Christmas and Easter holidays, they pack 100 boxes of gifts to send to U.S. troops in Iraq. Their efforts are planned so the gifts arrive via mail in time for each holiday.

According to Sami Anderson, a co-coordinator of the project, “At our last mailing, we set up everything the night before our packing day so that we could fill all the boxes on Sunday—the only day our group has free to work on them. We were delighted when seven young men from Los Angeles Adventist Academy arrived to help our group pack contents into boxes.”

Joan Gebhard, also a co-coordinator, explained that the boxes are specifically directed to troops who are not receiving mail or gifts from other sources. “We work through two Adventist chaplains in Iraq,” she explained, “and they make sure the gifts reach the men and women.”

The boxes include a $25 phone card, batteries, snacks, handheld games, small toys for troops to give to Iraqi children, Steps to Christ and other inspirational reading material and more. Hard candy is really appreciated—but no chocolate, because it melts in the searing temperatures. Military personnel also receive a photo of the Rolling Hills church with a note of thanks, “for the sacrifice you are making for your country. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember, God is always with you.” The packages are mailed via flat rate Priority mail at $7.70 per box.

According to Anderson, response from neighbors and local companies has been amazing. “They have been so generous with both funds and products,” she said. We tell donors to make their checks payable to our church, earmarked ‘Soldier Fund,’ so the donations will be tax deductible."

Responses from the battlefield have been very appreciative. One military leader wrote, “One soldier who received a ‘care package’ was so thankful. He shared the games and magazines with all his buddies. He also enjoyed the goodies and snacks, but was so excited because of the phone card that was enclosed in his package. He was able for the first time since he has been in Iraq to phone home and talk not only to his parents but to all the rest of the family. The parents were so happy. They just cried with joy since they were able to talk to their son.”

Anderson and Gebhard say they will continue with the project, sending at Christmas and Easter while there is a need. “We are delighted that, as we tell others about what we are doing, other churches and people in the community are getting involved,” said Gebhard. For more details, contact Anderson or Gebhard at the church office, 310-541-1819.

To initiate a gift program for military personnel in Iraq or any other part of the world, visit adventistchaplains.org; click on Adventists in the Military and scroll down to “Letters & Care Pkgs to Iraq” or “Donations for Worship Equipment to Iraq.”