Volunteers Help To Bring Cookies To Vets On Memorial Day

SOUTH PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — Volunteers will serve up thousands of cookies to homeless and hospitalized veterans on Memorial Day.

CBS2's Amy Johnson reports that dozens have been dropping off the baked goods at the Women's Club of South Pasadena as part of Operation Cookie.

"We started in 1941 during World War II and it continued through all the major wars including the Gulf War, Bosnia, Croatia, and when there was not actually war time, it was distributed to troops overseas," coordinator Beverly Biber said.

While there was a brief break from the project after 9-11, the Women's Club resumed their duties three years later.

Once they collect all the cookies, 100 volunteers, including a 90-year-old WWII vet, put a special cookie box together that includes a personal thank you.

"I'm proud to be able to still help," the vet said.

"So many Americans go about their business, we forget the sacrifices," Karen Ruhl said.

Once the cookies are packaged, they're boxed up and delivered to eight different facilities around the Southland.

"They will be going to various VA hospitals that includes West LA, East Valley, convalescent and rehabilitation centers," Biber said.

In addition to cookies, Operation Cookie also receives donations, like a $250 check from the South Pasadena Police Officers Association.