Teamsters prepare care packages for the troops

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/sanbernardinocounty/ci_11157790

Josh Dulaney, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/06/2008 07:14:38 PM PST

RIALTO - Hundreds of Teamsters gathered here Saturday.

But instead of picketing, they packed boxes of care for military personnel overseas for the third consecutive year.

"I must get a dozen phone calls from people saying thanks," said Randy Cammack, international vice president at large for Teamsters Union Local 63. "(Some) say, `I don't have a family, so a gift from the Teamsters is the only thing I get (for Christmas).' "

Some of the 14,000-member union of grocery and freight workers based here met early to pack about 400 boxes full of toiletries, snacks and a toy or two, among other items, for the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The boxes also were crammed with Christmas cards from local elementary school kids.

These days, they have a handle on what the troops like, especially since many in the union know someone overseas.

FULL story at link.