Help is needed to send care packages to soldiers

Marianne Hess of Our Lady Queen of Angels church in Newport Beach is seeking community members to help her and other parish members put together care packages for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Hess has been working on the project for two years, sending a supply of 20 to 30 boxes each month to U.S. troops.

She started by sending gifts to her nephew, Camp Pendleton-based Lt. Mike Deal.

With Deal preparing to leave for his second tour, Hess plans to adopt the 40 Marines serving under him as well.

Hess and other volunteers fill the boxes with nonperishable foods, paperback books, DVDs, hygiene products, phone cards, toys for Iraqi children and other provisions.

To help out with the care packages, contact Hess at (949) 644-6154 or [email protected].

— Jessie Brunner