It’s a family affair and a community affair. The Sacramento Blue Star Moms’ tri-annual “packing parties,” such as the one held in November that brought together hundreds of packers and other participants from Sacramento and South Placer counties, fill CARE packages with a taste of home for men and women serving in combat overseas.

The 400 Christmas CARE packages prepared at the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall included essential personal hygiene items along with little added “hugs” like a warm scarf, a good book, and popular snacks and candies. Each box also included a greeting from the Sacramento Blue Star Moms and a personal message written by grateful men, women, and children here at home.

The day was a family affair. Children and parents waited together in line to fill their boxes, learning about volunteerism and patriotism from being an active part of the event. Area teens from the Del Campo High School Key Club in Fair Oaks worked together as a team. Other participants spent time writing heartfelt letters of thanks to unknown military members.

Members of Sacramento Blue Star Moms were recognized for their service, as were sponsors and supporters in the community who collaborate throughout the year to aid Sacramento Blue Star Moms in their work. Immediate past and present board members were presented with a flag that flew over Washington D.C. and a letter of appreciation from their respective assembly member. Past First Vice President Heidi Bacon received a resolution from Senator Nielsen’s office for her four years of service to Sacramento Blue Star Moms.

Gold Star parents Tom and Patty Shumacher from Granite Bay were honored, along with their son USMC Pfc. Victor Dew. At 20 years old, Dew was killed in Afghanistan in 2010 during Operation Enduring Freedom. The Shumachers are active with the Sacramento Blue Star Moms.

Robert “Cowboy Bob” Rogers, known for supplying military flags for all Sacramento Blue Star Moms events and other military events throughout the region, was presented with a flag flown over Kuwait and a certificate of appreciation.

Blue Star Moms are proud mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers, and female legal guardians living in South Placer county and Sacramento county who have children serving in the military, guard, or reserves or have children who are veterans. Members and friends also volunteer at VA hospitals and help out at other veteran outreach programs including Stand Down, Wounded Warriors, and Homes for our Troops. They also work with veteran organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Throughout the year, Blue Star Moms collect items and fundraise to pay for postage to mail the CARE packages. Postage is about $13.80 for each box.

Packing parties in 2016 are scheduled for Feb. 27th, June 18th, and Nov. 19th at the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall at 110 Park Drive, Roseville.

The Sacramento Blue Star Moms depend solely on donations to complete their mission. There are no paid positions; participants are all volunteers. You can help them support our military by donating items for CARE packages, making a tax-deductible financial donation, attending their events and fundraisers, writing letters to the troops, and participating in CARE package packing parties. Speakers are available to speak to your organization.

To volunteer or donate, contact Tabitha Gomez at (916) 206-6467 or [email protected].

Source: Sacramento Blue Star Moms