Approximately 80 Sierra View first graders gathered in the Coyote Café this past Friday, as participants in Operation Gratitude, sponsored by BJ’s Restaurants.

Operation Gratitude annually sends more than 200,000 care packages filled with food, entertainment, hygiene, and handmade items, plus personal letters of appreciation to veterans, first responders, new recruits, wounded heroes, their caregivers, and to individually named U.S. service members deployed overseas and their families waiting at home.

The organization stated the mission is to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for civilians anywhere in America to express their appreciation to all who serve the nation.

Since its inception in 2003, Operation Gratitude volunteers have shipped more than 1,600,000 care packages. BJ’s has partnered with Operation Gratitude for several years, filling bags for soldiers, stuffing teddy bears for kids, and making paracord bracelets. Last year they teamed up with them and local schools in a letter writing campaign and sent over 1000 letters to troops. This year’s goal has been set at 5,000 plus letters.

The Sierra View students participating got in touch with their artistic side and drew colorful pictures for soldiers, including some heartfelt messages of support as well.