LAKEPORT, Calif. – Operation Tango Mike (Operation Thanks Much) will mark 13 years of shipping care packages and supporting military personnel and their families on March 17.

The Board of Supervisors will honor the group with a proclamation for its service on Tuesday morning.

The all-volunteer nonprofit group began in 2003, when founder Ginny Craven was sending care packages to friends deployed to Afghanistan.

Since then, the group has grown and is now headquartered at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport and holds packing parties on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

Every month, 60 to 70 care packages are packed by volunteers. After the boxes are stuffed, taped and addressed, children decorate each one.

A recent message on Facebook from Randall Weldon read, “The care packages we received definitely made an impact in our morale. Knowing that so many people supported us and knowing my family back in the states was somehow contributing to that was amazing. At work, we still often reflect on what a cool aspect these care packages were whenever we talk about about deployment. Thanks for all that you do. I know that other soldiers, of all rank, currently deployed appreciate it without a doubt.”

A handwritten note from Lt. Col. Julie Elenbausm read, “Thank you again for sending packages full of snacks, personal care items and so much else. The time you and your organization spend preparing these items to send to us is so amazing. You make our time away so much better because we enjoy and appreciate it all.”

And a handwritten note, accompanied by a unit photo, came from Captain Brian Calcagno and read, “Thank you so much for your packages. Every one of them provide our soldiers joy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.”

Currently, Operation Tango Mike care packages are shipped to personnel in nine countries.

Volunteers have also hosted many welcome home celebrations over the years, as well as assisting local families of fallen military personnel.

Operation Tango Mike relies on donations and fundraising to pay the monthly shipping fee of $17.75 per care package, and to purchase the needed food and hygiene supplies. Monthly costs for shipping and supplies exceed $3,000.

In commemoration of 13 years of community support, Operation Tango Mike will host an open house from 5 to 6 p.m. March 17. The regular monthly packing party will follow.

To add someone to the care package recipient list, you may call 707-349-2838 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Other inquiries may be directed there as well.

Donations may be made by mailing checks to 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451. You may also make electronic donations via PayPal at www.operationtangomike.org or via www.gofundme.com/operationtangomike . Donations may also be made at Umpqua Bank.