Montebello : Names, Donations Sought for Military Care Packages

City officials are compiling a list of Montebello men and women serving in the Persian Gulf, and are urging local businesses to contribute items for care packages to send to them.

Mayor Art Payan recently mailed 4,000 letters to local businesses asking them to contribute products. Letters also have been written to service clubs, churches and schools in an attempt to get the names of all residents serving in the Gulf War.

To date, a list of 25 Montebello residents has been compiled, and about 25 businesses have agreed to contribute such items as playing cards, toiletries, visors, volleyballs, cassettes, dried fruits, cookies, T-shirts and caps, said Richard Pulido, city economic development analyst.

The response from individuals who would like to contribute has been overwhelming, he said. “I have received calls from mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and friends of servicemen and women, and many have been in tears,” Pulido said.

The deadline to contribute names or products is Feb. 1.