Operation Gratitude To Pack 5,000 Care Packages For First Responders

PORTER RANCH, CA — Operation Gratitude will host a care package assembly event in Porter Ranch on Saturday to thank Los Angeles' first responders.

The event, which is cohosted by Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee, will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Vineyards at Porter Ranch, 10000-20250 W. Rinaldi St.

Operation Gratitude packs boxes year round to send to first responders, active-duty military and veterans at their headquarters in Chatsworth.

Volunteers will pack 5,000 care packages filled with snacks, personal care and hygiene products and handmade items, according to Marketing and Communications Director Doreese Norman. The packages will also include hand-written letters from people across the country.

Care packages will be hand delivered to first responders including law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs.

"While we recognize the sacrifice those serving in our armed forces make, we also know there are millions of first responders serving here at home. We are on a mission to provide grateful Americans with the opportunity to go beyond saying "Thank You" to the men and women who serve as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs," Operation Gratitude said on its website.

Volunteers of all ages can participate in Saturday's event by registering online ahead of time. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to enter in a raffle when they arrive Saturday.