Sailors assigned to Commander, Submarine Group 7 (COMSUBGRU 7), received care packages filled with various snacks and other items donated by Operation Shoebox July 16.

Operation Shoebox is a nonprofit organization that coordinates donations to service members deployed overseas and those returning home.

"It was a pleasant surprise receiving the bags from Operation Shoebox," said Yeoman 2nd Class Darrian Murray. "It's not always easy being halfway around the world and away from our families. It's really great knowing that there are people back home that are thinking about us."

Chief Machinist's Mate Robert Tessier distributed the care packages to the staff.

"All of our Sailors work very hard and I am extremely grateful for the generosity and dedication the men and women of Operation Shoebox have towards our Sailors," said Tessier. "Every Sailor I handed a care package to reminded me of a young kid opening up a present on Christmas morning. I'll remember today for a very long time. I offer my gratitude and a Bravo Zulu to Operation Shoebox."

Many of the gift bags contained hand-written greeting cards from the individuals who donated them.

"I want to thank all of the volunteers at Operation Shoebox for the package I received and a special thank you to Brianna of Summerfield, Florida, for the lovely card," said Senior Chief Yeoman Brian Stockel. "Although the candy and peanuts didn't last very long, I will thoroughly enjoy the knitted hat and handmade bag for a very long time!"

Operation Shoebox was founded in 2003 by Mary Harper when five of her sons were deployed around the world. Harper learned that many of the troops did not receive many care packages. She then began an informal care package organization out of her living room.

Harper's small hometown project soon grew to an official nonprofit organization. Since its foundation, Operation Shoebox has shipped more than 1 million care packages according to their website.

COMSUBGRU-7 coordinates and controls submarine activities over a vast expanse, ranging from the Western Pacific to the Red Sea.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 7, visit www.csg7.navy.mil.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visit www.navy.mil/.