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Desk of Ruth Ann Young

December 15, 2007

MEGA donation is what Operation Iraq; The Spirit of Christmas got. That is honestly what we received from Mega Brands America, Inc. in Fife, WA. This donation was special due to more than just the size of it; the largest one received this year, and worth about $50,000.00!

Have no doubt our prayers were answered when they were literally stumbled upon by accident while my friend and Kiwanis member Mary Maas was looking for another business.

I had just received a request from Afghanistan two days earlier. Our young men and women serving wanted toys to give out there and in Iraq. How was I going to get toys now? It was a beautiful way to "Promote Peace Through The Spirit of Giving on Christmas Morning". My prayers were how was I going to answer this vital request from them? Getting my hands on thousands of toys in such a short period of time? We had already started packing... And getting them donated too? This had to be one of the most challenging moments I had faced in awhile. We needed a little Christmas Miracle for sure, and God was going to have to help us out here if this request was to become a reality for our troops. They merely wanted to share "The Spirit of Christmas" with the Iraqi and Afghanistan children, I can only tell you my heart was into making thi s happen for them if at all possible, but Mary was already in the midst of getting that done and did not even know it yet.... In the meantime, Mary stumbles into this business by accident, and tells them about Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas. They tell her to stop by on Saturday�

Mary and I walk into Mega Brands on that Saturday morning and meet the main contact person, Air Force Reservist Bernard Erni, who served in Desert Storm and in Iraq just a short time ago. When he learned of our mission to send care packages to his fellow soldiers on the front lines, and their request for toys for the children, his face lit up, and anyone could see the passion and resolve in his eyes. He was going to make this happen for his military friends still there... Coincidentally, Bernard had received such packages as part of his job in Iraq, and he knew first-hand how much these would mean to& nbsp;them, especially on Christmas. His eyes said "I know what this all about, and some toys for them is what they will get for sure"!

Director of Distribution Operations, Scott Pelon, was more than willing to support Bernard and our men and women serving. THAT DAY, which was Saturday, before we knew it there were thousands of toys being given to us. "SIX PALLETS".!, This was a day I will never forget! So many that three trucks weren't enough. They had to accommodate us picking up another load the following Monday!

It was truly a heart-warming experience,( I would call it more like a "Christmas Miracle") to see a veteran reaching out to help his friends still there and completely understanding them wanting to "Promote Peace Through Kindness and Giving". Yes, "The Spirit of Christmas" will be felt in Iraq and Afghanistan this year, and we Thank You Bernard, Scott and Mega Brands for caring and your generosity. You made it happen! Blessings at Christmas Guys! You Rock!

A little "Christmas Miracle" for our troops from some wonderful people with Mega hearts!

Ruth Ann Young

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

December 5, 2007

"Packing boxes for our military soldiers in Iraq at the Operation Iraq collection center in Kirkland was such a gratifying experience. We often take the simpliest of pleasures for granted, but I now can see how nice it would be to get a local newspaper, a paperback book, some candy, fresh coffee grounds and much more. These great Americans are not with their families for the holidays and packing boxes was such a rewarding experience for my wife and me." Sandy Payson, Publisher - Bellevue Reporter and Kirkland Kiwanian

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

November 07, 2007

The "Troup's" at Overlake Terrace Assisted Living in Redmond were deployed; their mission: to write a message and sign over 200 cards to include in the gift boxes to be sent to Iraq... Designated time of completion: less than 1 week... Mission Accomplished! Residents at Overlake Terrace really took this opportunity to heart. Everyone joined in, even those who were unable to write due to arthritis, Parkinson's, stroke, or difficulty seeing, dictating their own message of encouragement so they could tell the soldiers in their own words: "Thank You, Stay Safe, Hurry Home". Cheryl Hamilton, Overlake's Activity Director and "General" of the mission, rallied the Troup's and collected cards and cash. Over $400.00 was donated by residents, staff, and family members to this wonderful cause. Cheryl has a real soft spot for the veteran's living at Overlake, and she knew they would love to get involved with this effort. "Everyone - no matter what age, state of health, or state of mind can still give encouragement and thanks to those soldiers we call our Hero's." states Cheryl. "The response was overwhelming and heartwarming." Our senior's plan to see this mission through to completion by helping with the packaging of the "goodie boxes" and continuing to contribute items and money. At Overlake Terrace our motto is "People Who Care...Caring for People". In the spirit of the season, it's wonderful to see caring people sending the gift of grateful hearts.

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Friday, November 23, 2007

Last Wednesday evening my Kiwanis Club of Kirkland showed up and packed with flying colors! Not only did they come bearing many cases of chocolate truffles, magazines, our newly famous Bellevue Reporter newspaper, and hundreds of books, all to be included in these individual boxes. They brought an enthusiasm that rocked the room! Even our precious Sue Carter came to lend a helping hand, writing letters to the troops!
From Susan and Elizabeth handling the preparations with getting those boxes ready to be filled, to Bob, Mary, Bob, Ron, Jim, Brett, Bill and Helen packing them up, it was amazing for sure! Our new member Ralph worked with Art in getting all the Pastor and Chaplains completed! And because of their diligence they all went out the following morning and on TIME for Christmas!! Yeah! Together we put out some magnificent Christmas Packages to the troops! Hey, Kiwanis Club Members of Kirkland, on behalf of all the Military Men and Women serving “Thank you” so much for your efforts and support on Wednesday night! You were all awesome and my friends!
Blessings,
Ruth Ann

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Today I would like to take a moment and say thank you to a couple of fine ladies here in Washington. Sherry Grindeland of the Seattle Times, and Cheri Brennan of Alliance Communications, have over the last five years continued to lend a helping hand at various times with Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas. Without their support and efforts our organization would not be where it is today. They are ladies that have volunteered as well, and made a difference in the level of success we continue to achieve. Sherry and Cheri have stepped up and encouraged the media to recognize what we are all about! The Men and Women serving our country in Afghanistan and Iraq thank you so much ladies. Together we will once again place some beautiful Christmas Packages in their hands this year!
Blessings my friends, and Thank you so very much,
Ruth Ann Young

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

The thing that comes to mind with Tim’s that will always stick out in my mind
is the following: (By the way, it was Mike Foey once again that notified his friends at Tim’s). This is the first year once again, and we are all packing away, my son Tor, Dorothy Daily, Mary Robinson, many of the Kiwanis members. And in walks this man, he says he is with Tim’s Cascade. He proceeds checking out the whole project, and looks at me with a very serious look on his face… I am trying to figure out what is wrong here? Then he smiles and says, “This is an awesome charity Ruth Ann, and the best I have ever contributed to I’m sure”. His face lit up the room, and he allowed a picture of the two of us to be taken. Yes, this was Tim, and we all were very happy to have him come to deliver those wonderful chips personally! Blessings to Everyone there at Tim’s, and keep those great chips coming for our military! Hugs from the gang at Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas, we are still at it as you know and unpacking your delivery for 2007!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

I would like to express a special thanks to David Summers with Salem Communications in Seattle. Last week on Wednesday, he invited Operation Iraq:
The Spirit of Christmas to an ascertainment meeting with following people present;
Martin Gustafson of FOX 13, Maria Anderson of KIRO 7, George Pettingel of Trinity Broadcasting Network, Greg Neilson of C89.5FM, Jimm Brown of KOMO 4, Gary Shipe of KKNW 92.5FM, Kate Daniels of WARM 106.9, and Erin Larson of Ion Media Channel 3.
Salem had a delightful continental breakfast waiting, as friend Jim Balkman from Kiwanis of Kirkland, and student Danny Banke from Northwest University in Kirkland entered the meeting. Honestly, a speaker I am not, but armed with passion of our organization in my heart it went fine. They all were very supportive, and receptive of what we were all about. We know that many have stepped up the process to put us out there with your media associates. On behalf of our Military men and women serving, we all “Thank you”.

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

It was an honor for me, and Roxetta (our special volunteer) to have the opportunity to share our project with the entire student body in Butterfield Chapel at Northwest University yesterday. They are the best University in America in many ways because of their determination to make a difference in the world. They set a real example for all of us to admire. The atmosphere on campus is filled with this kind of mind set, and it rings throughout their grounds no matter where one goes.
Pastor Phil’s heartfelt prayers for our Operation Iraq in both services was awesome, and with the long road ahead of us we certainly appreciate them. A monetary offering was taken to benefit our project, another outreach of support. This University student body will undoubtedly pack at least 2-3,000 of our Christmas Packages this year at 10:00am on November 28 themselves, perhaps even more
They too have been with us since day one, and we are blessed to have their continued support. Kelly Weinberg is with us for a second year now, and Ashleigh Smart is her new energetic assistant. We all appreciate your stepping up to the plate ladies in so many areas, and continuing to see things through. This project became a better one the day Pastor Phil said “You have a home here for as long as you need it”. Thank you for that new home, and thank you students! On behalf of all the young men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan they are grateful for your efforts. You probably understand what sending these Christmas Packages to them so far from home this year means more than any of us! You are the best!
Blessings Northwest University & Students,
Ruth Ann Young

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

OVERLAKE TERRACE ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY ARE RESIDENTS RECRUITED
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Overlake Terrace residents are joining Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas! Ruth Ann Young, owner of The Spirit of Christmas Shop in downtown Kirkland, spearheaded the project in 2003. After a devastating fire in her store, Ruth Ann acted on an idea that emerged after exchanging emails with a high
school classmate who was serving in Iraq. Contact with other military personnel led to “wish lists” for goody boxes. through word of mouth efforts, contributions and volunteers began arriving and momentum started to build for this heartwarming endeavor.
Ruth’s store was converted to the “nerve center” for Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas. In the span of about 10 weeks, volunteers had procured items, organized work parties, packed more than 6,000 care packages, and loaded them into trucks. Every year they have found a location to headquarter Operation Iraq and the excitement continues to build in outlying communities.
This year, residents and staff of Overlake Terrace are offering their support. Starting Nov. 1, a card signing area will be available for residents, staff, families and friends to sign anytime. For the goody bags, they are accepting donations of individually wrapped hot chocolate, apple cider packets, individual cheese and cracker or peanut butter and cracker packets. There will be a basket in the lobby of Overlake Terrace for collection. Five dollar tax deductible cash donations will also be accepted and residents will present donations to Ruth Ann Young on Tues. Nov. 6th at 2:00pm in the activity room at Overlake Terrace, 2956 152nd Ave. N.E. Redmond.
Residents will also participate in packaging the items brought to this year’s headquarters at Northwest University Campus 5520 108th Ave. N.E., an activity spearheaded at Overlake Terrace Assisted Living and Memory Care by Cheryl Hamilton, Activity Director.

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Luanne Erickson stepped up to the plate early this fall. Her wonderful article about us she sent to the Eastside Sun, located right here in Kirkland WA. A specail thanks to John Gilday of the Eastside Sun and Luanne Erickson for their joint effort in
releasing an entire page for our Operation Iraq : The Spirit of Christmas 2007 project. John, Gordon, Michael, Ben, Jessica, Laura, and Luanne, thank you for making us "Kirkland’s Charity of the Month". Your support has been wonderful, and our enthusiastic gallery owners have been generous about encouraging our townspeople to drop off these needed items there. Your are an awesome group!!! And everyone knows our military really appreciate these boxes we are all contributing to… Together, we will send the best packages yet from the Pacific Northwest!
Blessings & Thank you,
Ruth Ann Young
Operationiraq.org

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Pascale is a friend of mine, and she actually wrote with me the letter “To Our Real American Hero”. Not only a gifted calligrapher, (and honestly the best) but someone that understands the heartbeat of our Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas. Thank you Pascale, together our words will travel again to Iraq and Afghanistan,
on behalf of all of us back home.
Blessings my friend, and I hope you are feeling better soon.
Ruth Ann

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

We would like to say “thank you” to St. Thomas Parish for the many items they have purchased this week for us. St. Thomas has been with us for a long time as well.
Hi Father Bernie! I remember all of you at Totem Lake a few years ago! We had a great time that evening! We have a very long difficult road ahead of us Father, so please keep those prayers coming!!
Blessings to everyone there,
Ruth Ann

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Gunnar Nordstrom has stepped up to the plate in Kirkland. WA. He is collecting for us too! Please feel free to drop off items there at his beautiful gallery. Thanks Gunnar! We enjoy your gallery so much! Stop by soon everyone! 127 lake Street South No. B
Kirkland, WA 98033 425-444-8241 mobile

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Well everyone we are just about to start the massive packing for Operation Iraq: The spirit of Christmas 2007.
Today Roxetta Groenen, Ginger Russ, Tabby from the University, and I got real busy with the preparation end of things. This requires a lot of work, so the packing can commence on Monday night.These girls packed some of the first boxes today too, and signed the first cards designed specifically for us. I will tell you more about that soon. Thanks girls, you are all awesome, and we appreciate your hard work today, and the many days that will follow. Without all of you “the volunteers, companies, clubs, and organizations”, that have stepped up, believe me there would not be the number of Christmas packages going to our men and women serving this Christmas! For sure! Please keep this year’s project in your prayers! We all know there is a very long road ahead of us yet. However, more people coming forward almost everyday to assist us with their given areas of talent.


And Guess what, they will not!!!! This year we will send the very best from the Pacific Northwest! You can bet on it! Just thought I would let you know! Have a great week-end, and stop by soon and pack a few! It’s contagious, honestly!
Blessings Everyone,
Ruth Ann Young, founder and director.

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

We thank Cedar Park Assembly of God for taking an offering to benefit our Operation Iraq. This generous donation will once again help strengthen our base as we begin packing these precious packages to our men and women for this Christmas 2007.
Thank you” Everyone”, I will respect your anonymity. They appreciate your support, and there will be more packages to open on Christmas morning because of your contribution.

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Friday, November 02, 2007

WE would like to give a special thanks to Jennifer Heuer owner of Curves in Redmond, WA. She has RALLIED the girls and made them a donation spot throughout the Kirkland and Redmond area! Go girls, I will see you soon! We thank all the “ladies” at Curves in Redmond, Houghton and Kirkland! We really appreciate your support!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Operation Iraq would like to take a moment and welcome Miho Reed and Gary at KQMV KIXI KWJZ KKNW KRWM Sandusky! Thank you so much for kicking things in! This Christmas in Iraq and Afghanistan for our Americans will be a better one because of your efforts!
Blessings from us all,
Ruth Ann Young

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Here’s the real rest of the story everyone, about our rockin’ Seneca Foods out of Yakima WA.!

When my little Christmas shop out of Kirkland became the nerve center for "Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas" that first year, it was Seneca who stepped up to the plate and sent the very first and I might add that very large donation. Yes, my first donation after hanging the banners just a few short days before, came out of Yakima WA. Remember, I was hoping to do at least 1,000 packages to our soldiers, but in my heart I wanted to really send 5,000 if at all possible. Anyway, a friend Debi Black had passed along the story of what I was doing to another friend of hers Mike Foey. Mike Foey decides he is going to get the word out to his friends at Seneca about this lady in Kirkland who is determined to send out Christmas Packages to our soldiers in Iraq, because she couldn’t open her shop that year…The fire from next door… (read that in website operationiraq.org) Anyway, before I knew it this very large container pulls up in front of the little shop, and announces that he has a donation for Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas. Excitedly I tell him that was us, and totally wondering what was happening? I had no idea what we were in store for, but it had to be something good for sure! Yes, it was wonderful, no it was fantastic! These young drivers excitedly shared with me they would need some help, because there were 37,000 yes, I said 37,000 bags of Apple Chips to get unloaded! I remember being awestruck, and trying to hold back my emotions, as my husband wrapped his arms around me…then smiled and said “We had better get some help for these guys.” Eventually we all laughed together, and I just felt that this was another moment I had to share with you all. Seneca holds a very dear spot in our hearts in the Pacific Northwest, and here at Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas understandably. But what you did NOT know is Seneca was the #1 food item they received that first year says Ted Hayden out of Fort Riley Kansas.! Yes Seneca Rocks!

Blessings to Seneca, and thank you for your continued support! We all love your products, and because of your generosity our young military men and women can enjoy their favorite snack this Christmas!
Blessings to All,
Ruth Ann Young
Sending "The Spirit of Christmas".

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to the PangBorn family through my close friend Jan Minar. They wanted to know all about Operation Iraq, as we shared a glass of wine together in their home. Of course I proudly told them about our precious organization. Russell and Linda have donated and continue to be supportive. Their family will all join us packing one night in November. Brother-in-law Brent Stach has been helpful in making media contacts, and introducing me to an organization he is a member of. They have decided to host an event that will include benefiting our Operation Iraq. This is so generous. Thank you to this wonderful family, our young men and women serving so far from home at Christmas truly appreciate all of your efforts.
Blessings, Ruth Ann Young
Founder and director

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

We unloaded the Seneca truck last Friday. They did not disappoint us with their many bags of Apple chips they had promised! They have always been a large part of this from the beginning. The truck showed up just before chapel (in between classes), and so I did not have to ask my friends from Kiwanis to assist me. The kids jumped right on it, not to mention the trucker lending a helping hand. Good things continue to happen, one step at a time. Thank you Peninsula Trucking, Seneca, and Northwest University students, you are all The reasons we are able to touch so many hearts over in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Thank you for you time,
Blessings Everyone,
Ruth Ann Young
Operationiraq.org
Founder and director

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Good friend Jan Minar has worked on Operation Iraq from day one. She continues to help with many aspects of this project, and often times behind the scenes with me. We enjoy the process of procuring our needed items together, and continue to brainstorm until our heads hurt!! No, all kidding aside, I thank her very much for all her efforts, she is one in a million. And always someone our project has been able to count on. Blessings my friend, Ruth Ann

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Thursday, November 01, 2007

This Holiday Season the Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has chosen to honor our American Soldiers serving in Iraq. Despite different political feelings that are shared throughout our country, we do want the men and women who serve in our armed forces to know that we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

We live in a land of bountiful blessings and it is easy with our busy lives to overlook the support necessary to maintain our freedom and safety. We can only imagine that our troops are desperate for the comforts of home, so with this in mind, we have prepared and sent gift boxes filled with tangible expressions of our appreciation. We packed the boxes with goodies to eat, socks to wear, toiletries we hope will refresh them in their harsh surrounding, puzzle books and magazines for entertainment, and calling cards so they can stay in touch with family and friends during the holidays. We also included notes of thanks and encouragement from school age children, a Cub Scout Pack, and our staff.

Dr. Clem C. Pellett & Staff

Dr. Clem Pellett sent gift boxes in honor of the following dentists:

• Dr. James Austin
• Dr. Paul Benoit
• Dr. Gary Bogachus
• Dr. Vidas Cemarka
• Dr. Peter Chiu
• Dr. Aaron Cooley
• Dr. Brandon Cooley
• Dr. Donald Davidson
• Dr. Robert Doty
• Dr. Steve Esply
• Dr. Desiree Fletcher
• Dr. Daniel Geare
• Dr. Robert Greener
• Dr. Donald Soltero
• Dr. John Johnson
• Dr. Jeffrey Johnson
• Dr. Jenny Lee
• Dr. John Lind
• Dr. Joseph Cram
• Dr. Robert Lindeman
• Dr. Jeffrey Malyon
• Dr. Bryan Maruhashi
• Dr. Cody Mast
• Dr. Lawrence Mast
• Dr. Kenneth McLean
• Dr. Thomas Mitchell
• Dr. Michael Thrall
• Dr. Stanley Nishimura
• Dr. Russell Nomi
• Dr. Lester Peterson
• Dr. Matthew Pilot
• Dr. John Rossi
• Dr. Negar Sherkat
• Dr. Donald Snyder
• Dr. Jennifer Strelow
• Dr. Kris Swanson
• Dr. Sydney Walters

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

I would like to thank Michael Thompson for taking time recently and creating two radio spots for Operation Iraq that will be played throughout our area over these up-coming weeks. Please let friends and family know this is about to be released soon! It was enjoyable working with someone that truly feels the heart-beat of our Organization. The military men and women men will be getting the best packages yet from the Northwest! Have a great week Michael Thompson, and everyone that continues to help with our project! The excitement is beginning to build, I can feel it!!!

We would like to send a special thanks to Leif D. Andersen of Bonneville Radio Group Seattle for steeping up and assisting us on getting the word out for Operation Iraq 2007. Leif, we really do appreciate your facilitating these announcements. Undoubtedly we will be able to send more packages this year because of this effort. Please listen everyone!! Dave Ross Show, Ron and Don Show, They are doing good things!

Dave Ross Show:
This week(10/31) 9A-10A and 10A-11A(2 total announcements)
Week of 11/12 will run Monday-Wednesday 9A-10A and 10A-11A(6 total announcements)
Ron and Don Show:
Weeks or 11/5 and 11/19 will run Monday – Wednesday 4P-5P and 5P-6P(12 total announcements)

Broad Rotators and overnights:
10/29-11/22 will run 10X 5A-5A :60 PSA’s per week(40 total)
10/29-11/22 will run 2X 12M-5A :60’s per day(22 total)

60 Second Version:
Imagine our soldiers serving in Iraq or Afghanistan…..and its Christmas morning. Will they wonder how much we care? Will they be remembered, receive assurances of caring and support or an expression of love? Together, we can honor and show them we care by placing gifts in their hands this Christmas. In the last four years, OperationIraq.org, a nonpartisan local grass roots organization, has sent more than 36,000 Christmas boxes to our beloved soldiers. Please join us in sending thousands more by contributing now at OperationIraq.org or call 425-739-XMAS, that's 425-739-9627. 100 cents of every dollar donated goes directly into these special packages. We are packing now, so donations are needed immediately and must be received BEFORE Thanksgiving.

Let's send the best from the heart of the Pacific Northwest and lift the spirits of our American soldiers at Christmas Time. OperationIraq.org.

30 Second Version:
Imagine our soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan....and its Christmas morning. Will they wonder how much we care? Together, we can place gifts in their hands this Christmas. In the last four years our nonpartisan local effort, OperationIraq.org, has sent more than 36,000 Christmas boxes to our beloved soldiers. Join us in sending thousands more by contributing now at OperationIraq.org or call 425.739.XMAS. All donations must be received BEFORE Thanksgiving.

Let's send the best from the heart of the Pacific Northwest. OperationIraq.org.

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Glenn Peterson from my softball team has offered to do all the “picking up of items” collected by our wonderful galleries throughout Kirkland. He will deliver them to Northwest University, and contact Kelly Weinberg or Roxetta to make those arrangements. Thank you Glenn for taking time for our Military men and women! Welcome aboard!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

National Anesthesia Services, Inc. is a privately owned company in operation since 1989. We place Anesthesiologists and Nurse Anesthetists in temporary and permanent positions across the United States. Since day one our goal has to been to develop, build and maintain relationships with our providers and clients. We’re not just about finding people jobs; we’re about connecting the right people to the right positions. At National Anesthesia Services we believe in giving back to the community. We truly feel blessed to have found Operation Iraq: Spirit of Christmas and are sincerely honored to support such a heart-felt cause.

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Fellow Kiwanis member Walter Krueger Atty- At- law in Kirkland made a monetary donation to our Operation Iraq. Thank you Walter, we really appreciate your support my friend!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

At Tully’s, we’re strong believers in “paying it forward”– fostering a culture where thoughtfulness and compassion come first. Every year, we contribute to hundreds of organizations and play an active role within the communities we serve. We try to partner with organizations that matter to us as well as our customers. This is why we have decided to donate to Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas.

Every one of us knows someone, whether it be a family member or friend, who has been to or been affected by the war in Iraq. We want to honor and thank those who serve us so unselfishly. We can only hope our contribution will make a difference to those we know and love.
Tully's Website

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Thursday, October 18, 2007

We welcome Office Max from Kirkland WA. They have stepped up and offered to meet all of our printing needs for our project! I asked this young man why he was so eager to help us with our project? He shared with me the following:
Ruth Ann,
I am actually Archie Carl Wabschall IV. The 3rd, my uncle and namesake died in Vietnam while my mother was pregnant with me so I got a great name and one immortalized on The Wall. I served from 1988 through 1996 in the Army in the military police. My duties included gunner, driver, team leader, and investigator. I served in Germany twice, Virginia, Italy, and did my last year escorting troops from Hungary, through Croatia, to Bosnia.
Thank you for serving your country Archie, and we are proud to have your assistance with Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas 2007!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Amy Burtis and Kelly Weinberg today met the Tim’s Cascade delivery truck with their donation of cases of potato chips for our packages! “A special thanks to Tim’s”! They have been with us from day one, and continue to support Operation Iraq. Without their wonderful donation Christmas for our Troops would not be the same! They have the best potato chips in the northwest! Thanks guys, we love them here at home too!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Thank you Kelly Weinberg and Amy Burtis for unloading that big delivery van of chips from Tim’s Cascade today! We appreciate all your efforts you continue to give our project! Our Northwest University Students are the best! Thanks girls!

Desk of Operation Iraq Team

Dr. Mac Culver is someone that’s so special to us all.

Being the head of Elementary Education of Cedar Park Christian Schools is just one of his jobs. He is a person that simply prefers to say, “It is a joy to help” and he really means it. Everyone that finds themselves in his presence agree, “Dr. Mac Culver is someone that truly loves people”, and continues to show it with the love of Christ Jesus in his heart.

Thank you so much. We know the efforts Cedar Park is putting into Operation Iraq this year, and it is truly because you understand why these are so meaningful to our American men and women serving their country so far from home. You served proudly Dr. Culver. We also know that you are surrounded with some staff that have served, and loved ones that also know the meaning of what Christmas Packages from home are all about.

Together we will send the best packages ever! Thank you Cedar Park Christian School, you have been there from the beginning.

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Monday, October 15, 2007

We are glad to have Tim Matson back on board this year! Tim and Lucy have been involved with Operation Iraq for a couple of years. These last couple of weeks Tim has been working hard to get a forty foot container donated for our project and it arrived on Monday this week. He also arranged to have Yellow Freight Co. deliver the first shipment of our Christmas packing boxes. Seven thousand boxes arrived on Thursday morning! We are off and running! Great job Tim!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Saturday, October 13, 2007

We would like to say a special “Thanks” to Northwest University student Kelly Weinberg. Kelly has been with us for two years now, and is very excited to bring on board some of the other students as well. She has put in place an inner group within the university that will be helping with different aspects of our project. Her excitement and enthusiasm is so enjoyed and appreciated! Thank you Kelly for steeping up again this year! We all love having you back!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Monday, October 08, 2007

We would like to welcome Roxetta Groenen back to our Operation Iraq this year! She has been with our organization for four years now. Roxetta is the lady that warmly greets many of you when coming through the doors to pack your Christmas Packages to the troops. She has assisted me, and always been so dependable each and everyday of our operation. Thanks you so much for joining the ranks once again, it honestly would not be the same without you my friend!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Thor Tolo has agreed to read the winners of this year's "Letter of Appreciation contest" on the air over the 12 days of Christmas and some will be read on December 24th. What a wonderful way to celebrate our winners, and do it together with own Thor Tolo on (http://www.kgnw.com/)

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Thursday, September 27, 2007

We welcome Art once again back to our project! Art has been with us for a few years now and really has done a wonderful job! So dependable! In the last two years he has taken over the entire responsibility of preparing all forms for the shipping of our Christmas packages. We are talking the address labels , and this is quite a process. Chris and he will be working together this year, and we are so glad to have them both on board with Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas 2007.
Thanks guys!

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

We would like to welcome Rev. Andrew Culver to Operation Iraq once again this year. Andrew is son of Dr. Mac Culver who heads Cedar Park Christian Elementary education. I am very touched by his offering to continue hosting of our web-site. Andrew has recently lost a family member, and our prayers are with him and his family. We appreciate his talents and contribution all the way from Spokane! Yes, he is very determined to continue his service to our project another year and we appreciate him and his wife’s help very much!

Blessings from us all,
Ruth Ann Young

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Monday, September 24, 2007

Last night we had a very productive meeting.

A Warm Welcome;

Nicole Alouf is back assisting me with our correspondence and my computer challenges!
Bless her heart!! My 2nd daughter continues to be a wonderful help, and always so patient! Her involvement goes back to the first year Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas started!

Mary Maas a fellow Kiwanis member is already hard at it and working in several areas of our project! Today she was able to find a volunteer, who would pick up donations at Cedar Park Christian School Campus weekly, And deliver it to the University! Go Girl! It is nice to have her in our corner for sure!

Ginger Russ has offered her help with collecting items and procurement! She did this so well last year, and was a real trooper! And I have no doubt will do a great job!
Thank you so much! It is nice to have her on board again this year!

Michael Thompson has secured some absolutely beautiful metallic paper that will be used for our annual Christmasletters to our Military Men and Women serving our Country. He will be contacting some of our retirement communities, as they have been writing heartfelt letters and making Christmas cards for our troops since we started this project. Michael’s paper will be put to good use for sure!

Chris lacey is also a fellow Kiwanis member, and will be working very hard at getting the postage end of things taken care of. This is a very big job, and we appreciate his help in this very vital area! And has offered to make contacts regarding donations for our much needed items as well! Awesome Chris!

Luanne Erickson from our own Howard/Mandville Gallery in downtown Kirkland has recently written a wonderful article on our project, and sent it to many media contacts. She has asked all our local art galleries to place a large box for our Christmas package donations during the month of October. All of the downtown galleries will be drop-off points. Her article was a good one, and we appreciate her support so very much! For Immediate Release Iraq.doc

Today we got a call that our beautiful banners for Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas will be ready by Wednesday of this week! Yes, Greg Shugarts owner of Fast Signs of Kirkland has donated these red and white twenty foot “Banners for our project 2007”!

Thank you so much, and to Jessie there for her design work and support!

Blessings,

Ruth Ann Young

Desk of Ruth Ann Young

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Operation Iraq : The Spirit of Christmas 2007
Ruth Ann Young
P.O.B. 646
Kirkland WA 98083

To Everyone,
As I begin the 5th year as Founder and Director of Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas (Operationiraq.org), I can feel the energy starting to build. Northwest University has once again provided us a home to pack the Christmas Packages for our military men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seneca has also committed their famous apple chips, with Tim’s Cascade supplying the wonderful potato chips, thanks to our very special Mike Foey. Kiwanis of Kirkland has stepped up early with their support in this project 2007.
Our goals are to send between 5,000 and 10,000 Christmas Packages 2007.
Here’s how you can help-
Invite other business leaders around you to get involved. We have a web-site for them to get familiar with all we have accomplished throughout these last 4 years. To date, together we have sent over 36,000 Christmas Packages to our troops serving. Please let them know this has always been and remains a 100% donated, and non-profit organization. This I say with much pride. Our “Raytheon Awarded” project has continued to send quality Christmas packages to our front lines for four years, with year five even better!
My only request is as follows and has continued to be the same;
1)They be sent to the front lines and equally distributed to all five of our military branches. 2) Be given on Christmas morning to those who have NOT received a Christmas package from home. Help us get this started!
Items needed; Lip Balm, Eye Wash, Toiletries, Chocolate snacks, Peanuts, Crackers with cheese or peanut butter centers, Trail mix, These must be SMALL packages, remember we are sending individual Christmas packages, and Letters of Appreciation, from your children! They are always placed on top so it is the first thing they see when opening up their Christmas Package from The Pacific Northwest! Join us in making this the best!

Sincerely, Ruth Ann Young

P.S. Pay pal is available on web site as well @operationiraq.org

Kirkland Kiwanis Club

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

The Kirkland Kiwanis Club has very generously made the first donation of money to Operation Iraq 2007. Thanks to my fellow Kiwanis members!!

Northwest University

Northwest University has once again opened their doors and offered their Chapel to us for packing all of the precious packages to our troops. We are so happy to be there once again, as they are the heart of Kirkland!

Tim’s Cascade Potato Chips

Tim’s Cascade Potato Chips has offered to be a contributor once again. They have been a part of this since the beginning!

2007 Year Starts

Packing Completed

Friday, December 08, 2006

On Friday, December 8, 2006 our packing operations have wrapped up for the season. The majority of our gift boxes left by truck to a military base from where they will be airlifted to Iraq. We are now in the process of mailing a few hundred boxes that wouldn't fit into the full-to-the-brim trailer. Thanks to all who made this great effort possible!

Northwest University Students

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Hundreds of Northwest University students met at the chapel on Wednesday morning to assemble gift boxes for Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas. Above, student Alison Selin wrote a Christmas note to a soldier in Iraq while a cameraman from KING5 News recorded. On this one day, students assembled 2,400 packages toward Operation Iraq’s goal of sending 10,000 packages to soldiers in Iraq during the Christmas season. More Photos to Come!!

Students Bring Spirit Of Christmas To Soldiers In Iraq

Saturday, November 18, 2006

For the article please visit www.kirotv.com

Holiday spirit

By Sherry Grindeland
Seattle Times staff columnist

Ruth Ann Young, of Woodinville, received an early holiday gift. She found space to continue Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas.

Northwest University in Kirkland has donated room for the packing and storing.

Young started the campaign in 2003 out of her former Kirkland storefront. Volunteers packed gift boxes that were sent to American troops in Iraq. The campaign, which has shipped nearly 30,000 boxes in three years, moved to a shopping center in 2004 and 2005.

That space was no longer available. Due to family demands, Young closed her store early this year. She has been searching for free space ever since.

Timing was tight. The packages need to be ready to ship by early December.

Seneca donated 9,000 bags of apple chips this week. Tim's Cascade has sent 2,500 bags of potato chips. Now she needs cash, paperback books and small toiletries to get Operation Iraq off the ground.

"We are still 100 percent donated," Young said. "I'm proud of that, but we need help. We're going to start packing by the middle of next week."

Young can be reached at 425-885-0796.

Sherry Grindeland: 206-515-5633 or sgrindeland@seattletimes.com

Thanksgiving Schedule

Packing will continue until 5 PM on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 22 and start again on Friday the 24th at 12:30 PM. For those of you who have been emailing in offers to help out, please include your full email address and contact phone number in the text of the message so that we can get in touch with you.

Seneca arrived, Shipped Boxes on Friday

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Apple chips from Seneca arrived today, and we're expecting our delivery of shipping boxes on Friday. Ruth Ann is working on procuring other supplies so that packing may be able to start on Monday. Please email her to schedule volunteer groups in advance.

We encourage everyone to take a moment and email their friends and family! Let them know this is your charity of choice for the Christmas season! Letting them know we need all the support we can get to touch the hearts of as many Americans possible.

Donations of All Kinds are Welcome

Please see the "Most desired items" page for items that we are hoping to receive from our wonderful donors and volunteers. We would also like to encourange the following items because they add a great personal touch to our packages.

• Thanks, Troops!" artwork by kids
• Letters and notes of appreciation from youngsters (from grades 1-12)

Starting the 2006 Season at a New Location!

We are pleased to announce:

Northwest University has welcomed us to headquarter

“Operation Iraq : The Spirit of Christmas 2006” on their campus.

The location is the Butterfield Chapel on the University campus, situated in the Houghton area of Kirkland. Please check the Northwest University website for directions and maps.

Our Christmas Letter to the Troops

Friday, November 10, 2006

Good friend Pascal Collins and Ruth Ann Young put a Heartfelt letter together that will be included in each Precious Christmas Package to our military serving our country.

And has been done on behalf of all the volunteers and donors that have contributed to make this as successful as possible.

Spirit of Christmas needs a home

Sunday, October 01, 2006

By Sherry Grindeland
Seattle Times staff columnist

The burgeoning local economy may doom what has become a tradition for Ruth Ann Young of Woodinville. She can't find free space to pack her Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas gift boxes for American troops. Earlier this year she closed her Kirkland store, the Spirit of Christmas. She organized the gift-box packing from that office. The first year the boxes were packed in the store; in 2004 and 2005 she used an empty store at a Totem Lake mall. Young's project has shipped nearly 30,000 boxes to war zones.
She needs to use about 2,000 to 2,500 square feet of space from now until the boxes leave in mid-December.
Young still has the desire, the volunteers ready to work and the corporations willing to donate the goodies.
"I'm going to be just sick if we can't do The Spirit of Christmas this year," she said.
She can be reached at 425-885-0796.

Operation Iraq: Spirit of Christmas needs your help again for 2006

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Contact: Ruth Anne Young, (425) 802-7884

Kirkland, WA - - For three years now Ruth Ann Young and many volunteers have shown their passion for recognizing our military over the holidays. “ These Americans are so far from home during the Christmas season... Until we bring them back to their families, they need to know we recognize their sacrifices” Ruth Ann said.

Though she hasn’t had a chance to visit Iraq she has done the next best thing. Since 2003 Ruth Ann has been the driving force behind “Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas”. The organization ( www.thespiritofchristmasusa.com ) has sent Christmas boxes containing wonderul goodies to front line troops in all branches of the armed forces.

Speaking of past efforts, General R.J. Seitz wrote, "In all my many years of association with the military I have never seen or heard of a more generous action of support….I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your magnificent and generous contribution to the welfare and morale of all American troops serving in Iraq". The group has also received the Raytheon Award for it successful efforts.

“We have gotten a late start this year and need help and more donations to make this as succesful as possible” said Ruth Ann. We have gotten our first major donation from Mid West of Cannon Falls Minn. of 9,000 world famous pewter serenity dove ornaments. ( worth $96,000) “We need our youth to help pack boxes, and adults to help pick up items from local merchants to go in the boxes.” Some of the items the organization is looking for include eye drops, lip balm, nonperishable snacks and candy, powdered juice mix and toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, sunscreen, baby wipes, etc.). Also to be included this year are CDs (holiday and other music), “Thanks, Troops” artwork by kids, letters and notes of appreciation from youngsters and Holiday greeting cards. And to finish things-off they need packing material and packing tape.

Anyone interested in donating their time, items for the packages or to make a financial contribution can contact:
Ruth Ann Young at (425) 802-7884
or
Tim Matson at 206-235-1233.

New Web Address

Friday, September 22, 2006

We have a new web address and that is http://www.operationiraq.org.
Thank you to Andrew Culver and the ICCEC Web Ministries

Thank you for your continuing support. Blessings to you and your loved ones this upcoming Christmas season.

Ruth Ann Young