Los Banos, CA (January 29, 2026) — On a typical Packing Party day in Los Banos, the work moves quickly. Boxes are folded, items sorted, and care packages assembled in a matter of minutes. During packing events in Los Banos, children often contribute drawings and handwritten notes, while volunteers of all ages work together to assemble care packages filled with snacks, hygiene items, and small games. What may appear straightforward on the surface is the result of a coordinated effort built over years of regular packing parties.
“It takes us like 20 minutes to do 25 boxes because there’s — it’s a well-oiled machine now,” said Rhonda Lowe, vice president of Operation Packing Company.
Operation Packing Company, Inc. (OPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, packing, and sending care packages to deployed U.S. service members overseas. The idea was sparked by the Moonshine Bandits, a country-rap duo formed in Los Banos in 2003, after band members noticed a strong military presence at their shows.
“It basically came about because at their shows, they were seeing a lot of military people show up and supporting them,” Lowe said. She described Moonshine Bandits as deeply patriotic and said the group makes a point of honoring the country and those who serve.
The Los Banos chapter of Operation Packing Company began in December 2016, after Lowe posed a simple question to her family: why not bring the effort home.
“We had our first packing party here in Los Banos in December of 2016,” she said.
What started as a local idea has since grown into a steady monthly operation. With the exception of pandemic shutdowns, when packing continued out of Lowe’s home, volunteers have gathered regularly to assemble and ship care packages. These packing parties are held at the Los Banos Elks Lodge, which donates the use of its building at 565 E St. in support of the effort.
Each care package is intentionally assembled around practical and morale-boosting needs. Boxes include items from five main categories: beverages, breakfast foods, entertainment, personal hygiene supplies, and snacks. Everything is travel-sized and selected with deployment conditions in mind.
“We have five categories that we fill,” Lowe explained. “Personal hygiene items are sometimes really hard for them to get.”
Entertainment items, such as small travel games, crossword books, and puzzles, are included alongside necessities. Children’s letters and drawings are also placed inside the boxes, many of them created by local students.
“We let schools color pictures, write letters. That’s a really big thing that we love to include in boxes,” Lowe said. “That means something to them.”
Several Los Banos schools partner with Operation Packing Company on a recurring basis, collecting items and encouraging student participation throughout the year. Lowe said involving young people is a priority, both to keep supplies moving and to help students understand the purpose behind the effort.
Operational challenges have surfaced over time. Until recently, the organization relied on AnySoldier.com to obtain addresses for deployed service members. When the site shut down, Lowe said it temporarily disrupted how boxes were distributed.
“It kind of threw us into a tailspin for a while,” she said.
The Los Banos chapter adapted and overcame, by reaching out through personal and institutional contacts, eventually connecting with a chaplain associated with Naval Air Station Lemoore who was preparing for deployment. That connection now helps ensure care packages reach service members overseas through a trusted channel.
Despite logistical hurdles, Lowe said the most consistent part of the operation has been community support.
“All I have to do is post on Facebook what I need,” she said. “It comes through every single time.”
She recalled posting a request for crossword puzzle books and receiving far more than expected, including a large donation from a former Los Banos resident now living out of state.
“We come together as a community,” Lowe said. “If you have a need, all you have to do is let people know.”
According to information shared by Operation Packing Company on its Facebook page, the organization notes that many deployed service members experience homesickness at some point during their deployment. Lowe said the care packages, particularly the letters, drawings, and familiar snacks, are meant to help bridge that emotional distance.
“I would imagine that when some deployed person opens that up, it reminds them of home,” she said. “That is exactly what we’re all about — so that they know they’re not forgotten.”
Los Banos packing parties for Operation Packing Company are scheduled throughout 2026 at 1 p.m. on Jan. 11, Feb. 15, Mar. 22, Apr. 12, May 17, Jun. 28, Jul. 12, Aug. 16, Sep. 13, Oct. 25, and Nov. 15. There is no packing party scheduled in December.
Community members can support Operation Packing Company by donating time, supplies, or financial contributions. More information, including donation options, is available at operationpackingcompany.org/donate.
You can also follow them on Facebook, or check out their web page for more info on how you can get involved.
