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Sun, The (Lowell, MA)

January 20, 2009
Section: Today's Headlines
Littleton woman part of Day of Service

Caroline Pacl, Sun Correspondent

WASHNGTON -- Thousands of people joined forces yesterday to participate in the 23rd National Day of
Service.

Like many volunteers, Christine Nordhaus of Littleton wanted to give back during the festivities around
D.C., for the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

"'m really inspired by Obama because of what he represents," Nordhaus said.

Feelings of hope and positive change for the future are what brought Nordhaus to the U.S. capital.

One of the largest volunteer activities in Washington was the Operation Gratitude program held at
RFK Stadium. With items donated by Target, 86,000 care packages were sent to U.S. military troops
yesterday, exceeding the goal by 1,100 packages.

The soldiers asked for items, like toothpaste and diapers, that they can put in their helmets to absorb their
sweat, a site leader said. Twenty-thousand people showed up to volunteer at the RFK center, a number
also higher than the Serve DC organization expected.

"Michelle Obama showed up," one site leader said, "but she didn't want to publicly announce herself and
distract the volunteers from their efforts."

nstead, the new first lady blended into the crowd and helped volunteers package the goods. The first
family's daughters, Malia and Sasha, also helped out.

While writing letters to troops on gold-encrusted stationery, Nordhaus said she was proud to be a part of
the change and that she was doing it all for her two children back home.

" wrote how grateful am for the sacrifices made by the active members of our military, for leaving their
families and risking their lives," she said.

Nordhaus hoped the commencement of the new administration would mean that U.S. troops would come
home soon -- and for good.
By participating in the National Day of Service, she hopes to be able to teach her children the importance
of giving back to others, especially to U.S. troops overseas.

" don't want them to think that they don't have to be active just because we live in a liberal state," she
said.

Nordhaus received her tickets to the 2009 inauguration from U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, a Lowell Democrat,
after entering a lottery the day after Obama was elected.

" was so excited when heard got a ticket, but wish could have brought my family with me, too," she
said. "Either way, 'm here to witness history change. 'm going to take a lot of pictures and document it
for my kids every step of the way while 'm down here."
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