Sending Care Packages to Military Members

Local organizations, bakeries, and military spouses are giving back this holiday season, you can too.

Operation cookie drop

One of the simplest ways to give back is with a care package.

Photo by MacDill AFB

While it’s good to see perfectly wrapped presents tucked neatly under a Christmas tree — it’s also important to give, especially to the country’s armed forces this time of the year.

But how do they receive presents for the holidays? In comes Operation Cookie Drop and the Red Cross.

Local organizations will hand cookies, makeup, socks, and more to around 400 soldiers today, Friday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MacDill Air Force Base (8118 Hillsborough Loop Dr., Tampa).

You can help even if you can’t give a gift. Holiday for Heroes is a Red Cross run non-profit that lets you send a letter to any soldier, no matter where they are stationed.

More from TBAYtoday
Increasing the value of your home might be easier than you think.
The budding corals will eventually be replanted within the Keys as part of Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative.
We compiled all of the feedback from our Giving Campaign to learn what readers love most and want to see more of in our newsletters. Here’s a peek at what they said.
From pop legends to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of concerts to see this year in the Tampa Bay area.
Here’s where to ring in 2026 in TBAY.
We rounded up six locally approved matcha picks so you can get your green fix.
We wrap up some of our favorite waterfront parks, local businesses, bakeries, and other faves across Tampa and St. Pete
Some of country music’s biggest and rising stars play the 2026 festival right on St. Pete Beach.
A grassroots effort is helping Tampa Bay region properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
We’re digging in the Cigar City Brewing IPA’s roots, inspiration, and popularity across the United States.