Care packages meant for troops stolen

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SACRAMENTO, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A California group said someone stole 25 care packages intended as Christmas gifts for U.S. troops serving abroad.

Scott Raab, outreach coordinator for Sacramento-based Move America Forward, said the 350 care packages created for the troops were in a trailer Sunday, awaiting shipment the following day, when someone broke the lock on the trailer and took 25 of the packages, ABC News reported Wednesday.

"We pack pretty much everything in there," Raab said, "deodorant, coffee, candy. But also notes from school kids here at home thanking them for their service, Christmas cards, everything we can."

Raab, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, said he knows firsthand what the packages mean to troops stationed abroad.

"This can mean the whole world to these troops. We send packages year-round, but during the holidays it's even more special. And we get some of the packages out to specific soldiers whose family is not able, for whatever reason, to send them anything," he said.

Raab said the group is raising money and accepting donations to replace the stolen packages.