Welcome!

Founded in 2003, Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas began as a grass roots organization in Kirkland, Washington. It was built out of the desire to provide support for our troops and show appreciation for those who sacrifice so much to protect our country, our homes and our families. We are supported entirely through the donations of time, merchandise and dollars from companies, organizations and individuals across the United States. To date, we have sent more than 62,000 individual care packages to our military troops.

Operation Iraq Thanks National Anesthesia Services for Their Generous Donation

Operation Iraq accepted a $10,000 check from National Anesthesia Services on Monday, August 9, 2010 at Seattle’s American Association of Nurse Anesthetist in support of “The Spirit of Christmas” campaign. On hand to accept the check was Ruth Ann Young, Founder and Director of the charity. This donation enabled Operation Iraq to kick off their 2010 effort of providing holiday care packages to U.S. troops.

NAS and Operation Iraq Press Release

National Anesthesia Services has been providing support to Operation Iraq since 2007. “It is a blessing that we are able to continue to support such a great organization and give back to our troops,” said Stephen Read, President of National Anesthesia Services. “With over 21 years of placing physicians and CRNAs in permanent and locum tenens jobs, National has a great relationship with many military personnel whom are anesthesia providers. We enjoy knowing that some of them may receive a Christmas package and want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.” National Anesthesia Services and National Physician Staffing is a premier staffing firm located in Beverly Hills, Mich. The company, founded in 1989, places physicians and nurse anesthetists in hospitals and surgery centers throughout the United States. For more information please visit www.nationalanesthesia.com.

For Our Troops

The safety and freedom that you continue to provide to us here at home is understood and appreciated more than ever. Over two thousand Americans throughout the Pacific Northwest gathered on November 20, 2009 to prepare these special Christmas packages for you – our American heroes. For the first time in seven years, through this video, you can see with your own eyes our true appreciation for all that you continue to sacrifice each and every day on our behalf.

May this collaboration of donors and volunteers throughout the United States bring some well deserved heartfelt joy to you throughout your tour of duty. Sending you hugs from home, our prayers for your safety and blessings to all. ~The Volunteers of Operation Iraq: The Spirit of Christmas

We Need Your Help!

Due to the current state of our economy, Operation Iraq has lost the entity that in the past facilitated the shipping and delivery of care packages into Iraq and Afghanistan, making this year’s donations all the more crucial. We are hopeful that we will find a solution to this dilemma so that we may continue to touch the hearts of the men and women serving our country this Christmas. If you have any suggestions on how we might be able to overcome this obstacle, please contact Ruth Ann at (425) 885-0796 or Heather DeLong at hdelong@operationiraq.org.