Assembly required: Delivering goodies to our deployed Published Dec. 1, 2006 By Airman Emerald Ralston 341st Space Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Extra socks, homemade cookies, calling cards, beef jerky and handmade greeting cards may seem run-of-the-mill during the holiday season. But for those deployed overseas, the significance of these items may be what it takes to warm hearts in the desert. The Operation Happy Holidays committee of Great Falls is responsible for delivering hundreds of care packages to troops deployed overseas during the holiday season. Seventy-five to 200 military personnel, spouses and retirees could be found volunteering at the VFW making thousands of cookies Nov. 6, 7 and 8. These volunteers hope to give a little holiday comfort to those currently deployed and show how much their service is appreciated. "Some people volunteer because they received one of these care packages while they were deployed themselves," said Steve Kubick, former CEO of First Liberty Federal Credit Union. "Now they seize the opportunity to be able to give someone the same gift." "This program is designed to say thank you to these dedicated people who are away from home," said Dimmer Kjelsrud, First Liberty Federal Credit Union marketing director. The Operation Happy Holidays committee of Great Falls has been showing their gratitude for eight years and many of the volunteers have helped out each consecutive year. In 1999, the year this program began, the Great Falls Operation Happy Holidays committee sent out 110 boxes to deployed troops, Mr. Kubick said. And the program has grown significantly since then. Last year 38,000 cookies were made and 507 boxes were sent out; and this year 27,000 cookies were made and more than 400 packages will be delivered to our troops. More than 30 volunteers got the boxes ready for mailing Tuesday. Each package contains the following: four dozen homemade cookies, a phone card, Montana Wild Huckleberry Candies, Charmin, chip clips, Frisbees, kick balls, Montana High Country Jerky, mini flashlight, pens, powdered drink, seasonings, socks, tooth brush and paste kit, travel set, water bottles, wipes and greeting cards from around the local schools and from the surrounding area. "Operation Happy Holidays is a big undertaking for a small community like Great Falls, but only a small thank you to our dedicated and selfless military people who are deployed so frequently. We feel a small gesture like this is important, as their serving our country ensures that we can celebrate a safe and happy holiday season. Those who guard our freedom for us deserve our eternal gratitude and appreciation," Ms. Kjelsrud said.