KIRKLAND, Wash. -- Thousands of soldiers in Iraq will get a lift this Christmas thanks to students at Northwest University in Kirkland.

Hundreds of students worked at the Butterworth Chapel Wednesday to pack boxes for Operation Iraq, which will deliver each box to a member of the U.S. armed serves in Iraq.

"We got toothbrushes. We got trail mix, apple crisp, Top Ramen. We got pencils," said Mark Knight, a student.

Student Jacob Leoso wrote notes to soldiers.

"It says, 'Dear American Hero, you are someone of significant character, a true warrior at heart. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You mean so much to me.'"

Anyone wanting to help the cause can make a donation at OperationIraq.org