By Bethany BROWN

Veterans from the American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614 in La Crescenta, along with the Los Angeles Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), partnered with Operation Gratitude to package and deliver gift bags to local first responders throughout the month of April.

The Glendale Police Dept., Glendale Fire Dept., Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station, and all other LA County fire stations in the Crescenta Valley were included in this round of deliveries with a total of 768 packages being distributed.

Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that provides care packages filled with items donated by Americans across the country who want to express their support and gratitude for heroes whether overseas or here at home. This includes deployed troops, first responders, military families, recruit graduates, veterans, wounded heroes and caregivers.  

“While we recognize the sacrifice those serving in our armed forces make, we also know there are millions of first responders serving here at home that help to keep our people safe,” the organization emphasized.

With that, The First Responder Care Pouch Program was added to their agenda in 2017 and, since then, more than 500,000 pouches have been delivered to over 700 departments throughout the country.

The first responder pouches are specially designed to fit in a squad car or locker and are filled with a variety of high-quality items for the recipients who are always on the move. Items include, among other things, energy shots, protein bars, cleaning wipes specifically designed for firefighters, lip balm, sunscreen, sweet treats and handmade quick-deploy paracord bracelets.

Lt. Colonel David Worley, Los Angeles Chapter Commander of MOWW, said they have a great appreciation for first responders and law enforcement.

“We’re a big proponent of law and order and our fire and paramedic [departments] and so forth,” Worley said. “Most veteran organizations are immensely appreciative of these individuals and have programs in place to show that. We’re grateful to partner with Operation Gratitude to extend our appreciation.”

Worley stressed the motto that MOWW members (“companions”) have lived by since its establishment in 1919: “It is nobler to serve than to be served.”

“This is our opportunity to thank them for their excellence because they reflect the same values that we do as military members in putting public service first and giving back to the community,” Worley said. “We’re very proud to be able to recognize these individuals and organizations that continue to put their communities first every day.”