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Organizers of “Operation Cookie,” a day when the good comes out of so many who provide delectable treats to hospitalized, homeless and special needs veterans, are calling it a huge success.
Members of the Woman’s Club of South Pasadena are saying “mission accomplished” following Wednesday’s highly successful and, of course, tasty event that brings cookies and plenty of cheer to more than 2,000 men and women throughout the southland who served in the Armed Forces.
At the forefront of it all was Beverly Biber, the event coordinator, whose unwavering commitment to help others is unmatched. She milled around, thanking the approximate 100 volunteers working diligently inside the walls of the Woman’s Club who filled small containers with about 30,000 cookies that will find their way to about 2,000 veterans in the coming days.
“The cookies will be delivered to patients at Veterans Hospitals, to the Wounded Warriors Battalion at Camp Pendleton, to Military Women in Need, to the Jimmy Miller Foundation that provides ocean therapy for wounded warriors, and to other groups,” said Biber. “Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors, we continue to expand our outreach to an increasing number of veterans.”
Young and old, some from as far away as San Diego and Ventura, brought homemade and packaged cookies, to the annual event. Forming an assembly line, volunteers, all wearing disposable plastic gloves, walked around tables and placed the cookies into patriotic decorated containers that were then boxed ready for delivery.
“What makes it go is all the people who care for the veterans by doing something that will make them feel happier and let them know they are remembered,” explained Biber, when asked why “Operation Cookie” is hugely successful every year.
Outside the Woman’s Club, a curbside drop off for cookies was set up, easing the trouble of motorists getting out of their cars. Throughout the morning, vehicles stopped as cookies were handed to awaiting arms of volunteers. “We’re just grateful for the support we get from the community,” said a seemingly tireless Biber.
“Operation Cookie’s” origin dates to World War II when Woman’s Club members sent cookies to soldiers. The practice lasted for about three decades. Today, they are shipped to local veteran’s hospitals, and also distributed to homeless and veterans with special needs.
Along with “Operation Cookie,” the Woman’s Club has a long history of charitable and volunteer philanthropic service, providing scholarships to South Pasadena High School students and by making financial donations to charitable and community groups in the area.
Thousands of cookies will be delivered to veterans before and around Memorial Day. “They really appreciate the support from our club,” said Biber, pausing, “and we enjoy doing it.”
