Through Nov. 17, Adelphi University, for the fourth consecutive year, will coordinate the local effort of Operation Gratitude as part of a nationwide fundraising effort to ensure that American service members receive holiday gift packages as they serve on active duty overseas. Items such as packaged food, global calling cards, disposable cameras and music may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or mailed to Michael Spar, Associate Director of Business Affairs, Levermore Hall 301, 1 South Avenue, P.O. Box 701, Garden City, NY 11530-0701.

Operation Gratitude is a volunteer organization based in California. Throughout the year, it sends packages to military service members far from home. The packages, made up entirely from donated items, will also include personal letters of appreciation. Operation Gratitude, a non-government 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation funded exclusively by private donations, has already sent thousands of care packages to US troops serving overseas.

Financial donations can also be made to defray the $15 per box shipping charges for the packages. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and are tax deductible. Checks can be made out to AMVETS Post 100/OPERATION GRATITUDE, P.O. Box 1122, Long Beach, NY 11561.

"This is one small way that we can support and thank the men and women serving our country overseas," Michael Spar, associate director of business affairs at Adelphi and a recently retired Army Reserves Lieutenant Colonel, said. "I am thrilled to partner with Adelphi in supporting Operation Gratitude's important efforts and our service members for a fourth year in a row."

For more information about Operation Gratitude, visit www.opgratitude.com.