Tamra Appiano, a ticket sales representative from the Oakland Raiders (in the Raiders hat) joined Operation Tango Mike volunteers at the packing party. Photo by Ginny Craven.

LAKEPORT – A large group of volunteers ranging from toddlers to grandparents gathered at Umpqua Bank to assemble and decorate Thanksgiving care packages for the troops on Oct. 23.

The boxes were filled with necessities including foot powder, socks, eye wash, lip balm, deodorant and dental care products, as well as some fun items too.

Crossword puzzle books, small games, CDs and DVDs and other entertainment items were sent to combat the boredom that is an enemy during down time in a war zone far from home.

Food boxes contained goodies from peanut butter and tuna and the ever-popular Girl Scout cookies, which bring a real sense of Americana to the troops.

The owners of Kelsey Creek Coffee Co. joined in the packing and donated fresh roasted coffee for the troops. The boxes were finished off by Girl Scouts and other volunteers who decorated the care packages with seasonal stickers and personal messages.

Joining the locals was Tamra Appiano, a ticket sales representative from the Oakland Raiders. Appiano has been coordinating with Operation Tango Mike for the upcoming Military Salute Game on Nov. 9. She has arranged a special package deal for supporters of Operation Tango Mike to attend the Raiders game and enjoy the tributes to our troops and veterans.

Appiano made the three-hour drive in order to experience a packing party and get a better understanding of the support supplied in Lake County. She came away from the experience feeling elated, as well as being very impressed by what she had seen and heard.

“This is amazing,” said Appiano. “It’s incredible to see all these people working together like this. You guys should be very proud of what you’re doing.”

Operation Tango Mike is now gathering donations for the next packing. Thanks to exceptional generosity, there is no longer a need for books. Since there is an ample supply it is asked that books be donated to other worthy groups at this time.

Food products, hygiene items, correspondence and entertainment items are always needed and always welcomed.

You may want to “recycle the treats” by donating your extra Halloween candy for care packages. If the trick-or-treaters don’t gobble it up the troops will. Donations may be deposited at “Drop Zone” locations at businesses throughout Lake County or in the lobby at Umpqua Bank.

The next packing party will take place on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at Umpqua Bank, 805 11th St., Lakeport. The boxes prepared at that packing will be the Christmas care packages. Donations are requested to make the boxes special for the holidays. Items such as ornaments, holiday treats and Christmas candy would be very helpful. Christmas cards and letters are needed in large numbers.

School classes, fraternal organizations and other groups are welcome to join the fun. Consider having a “make an ornament day” or “Christmas card drive” or other activity in order to contribute to the holiday happiness of our troops. Presentations regarding Operation Tango Mike are available to groups.

If you have any questions, please contact Ginny Craven at 349-2838 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also visit Operation Tango Mike on the Web at operationtangomike.home.mchsi.com.

Youngsters are a fixture at the packing parties. Photo by Ginny Craven.

Girl Scouts helped out with packing the Thanksgiving boxes. Photo by Ginny Craven.

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