American Veterans First needs “all hands on deck” to pack boxes for active military service men and women on Saturday, Jan. 21 starting at 10 a.m.

Volunteers of all ages, including responsible kids and teens, are welcome to join the effort at AVF headquarters, 6436 Oakdale Road in Riverbank.

New AVF CEO Paige McLaughlin expressed that they need volunteers for the packing event on Saturday. The packages will be filled with supplies and goodies.

“It’s a great way to give back,” said McLaughlin. “My son is in the Navy, 16 years now. He said that these boxes are cherished by everyone and shared when families send extra.”

Officials at AVF will provide snacks for the volunteers that show up on Saturday to help with the packing project. They are hoping to fill at least 50 boxes to ship out.

The effort is part of the USMC Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II Memorial Troop Support Program, which is a volunteer organization. The program was created after the death of Palmer, who was killed in action in Iraq on May 5, 2007. The program sends personal care packages to individual troops on the front lines.

For more information, call 209-481-9586.