ENCINO (KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO)  -- The Encino-based "Operation Gratitude" is continuing its 2008 Holiday Drive, aimed at collecting and shipping care packages to U.S. troops serving overseas. 

Many volunteers turned out at the National Guard Armory in Van Nuys this Friday and Saturday, to help assemble packages (as shown in the photo above, and on the KNX main page) -- and another big packing event is scheduled in mid-December. All packages are sent to service members by name, to personalize the gifts.

You can click HERE, if you're interested in volunteering your time or making donations of money or items to send to the troops. Or you can call Operation Gratitude, at (818) 909-0039.

WHEN:  December 13-14 (milestone 400,000th package celebration on Dec. 13)
               From 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily; lunch provided from 12-1

WHERE:  California Army National Guard Armory
                 17330 Victory Boulevard
                 Van Nuys, CA 91406
                 (Corner of Victory and Louise)