LAKEPORT, Calif. – As the busy holiday season approaches, Operation Tango Mike – “Operation Thanks Much” – is working hard to support the troops.

The 12th annual drive to collect Christmas cards for troop care packages is under way. 

A note from home is a great comfort to those far from loved ones.

Cards may be deposited in any Operation Tango Mike drop zone barrel in Lake County, the lobbies of Umpqua Bank in Lakeport and Ukiah and Bank of America in Ukiah. 

Cards also are being accepted at the Lake County Veteran Services Office at 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.

Cards must be submitted no later than Nov. 17 to be included in Christmas care packages.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, the monthly packing party to assemble troop care packages will take place at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport. 

Activities begin at 6 p.m. and everyone is welcome. 

The November packing party is the time when the troops’ Christmas care packages are assembled.

Monthly packing parties continue to be held the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.

If you would like more information please call 707-349-2838 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . 

You also may add a deployed service member to the care package recipient list through these contacts.

Operation Tango Mike maintains an active Facebook page and encourages supporters to “like” the page and stay connected. The page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/OPERATION-TANGO-MIKE/118847931474466 .

Operation Tango Mike hosts fundraisers and accepts donations to purchase care package supplies and pay monthly shipping fees, which average more than $1,000.

Donations are always welcome and may be made at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport or Kelseyville, by mail at 5216 Piner Court, Kelseyville, CA 95451, by PayPal at www.operationtangomike.org or www.gofundme.com/operationtangomike .