For military personnel far from home for the holidays . . . few sounds are more welcome than the words MAIL CALL. And dedicated volunteers here on the home front are working hard to make sure that none our troops anywhere in the world is disappointed. Our Cover Story is reported now by Tracy Smith:

For a few days every year, hundreds of volunteers crowd a National Guard armory in Van Nuys, Calif., making boxes bound for war.

They’re packed with little bits of home: new toothbrushes . . . DVDs . . . Girl Scout cookies . . . hand-knit scarves . . . things that can make life in the combat zone easier, or at least bearable.

The name on the side says it all: Operation Gratitude.

When Tracy Smith asked if there were still a need for care packages since the U.S. has withdrawn troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, Carolyn Blashek – founded Operation Gratitude eight years ago – said, “There’s absolutely still a need.

Los Angeles (CNN) — A brawl between motorcycle club members at a western Nevada casino devolved into a gunfight that left one person dead and two wounded, police said Saturday.

Around 11:25 p.m. Friday, a fight broke out among members of the Hell’s Angels and Vagos clubs in front of the Trader Dick’s bar inside John Ascuaga’s Nugget, a family-owned casino in Sparks, that city’s deputy police chief Brian Allen told reporters.

(MONEY Magazine) — You don’t have to invest thousands in high-tech insulation or a super-efficient furnace to cut home heating costs. Just sealing drafts could lower your bills 3% to 18%, according to Danny Parker, a research scientist who works with the Department of Energy.

In the high-heating-cost Northeast, that translates to annual savings of as much as $250 if you burn natural gas or $550 for oil. Pretty good for low-cost projects you can do yourself.

US President Barack Obama’s job approval rating slumped to a personal low of 40 percent in a public opinion survey out Friday, a possible reflection of the political war over US debt.

The respected Gallup polling organization said Obama had previously slipped to 41 percent several times since taking office in January 2009, but noted his approval rating was 50 percent as recently as June 7.

LAUREL, Montana — Exxon Mobil came under fire on Wednesday from Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who said the oil giant had assured Montana that any spill on the Yellowstone River could be shut off in a few minutes. Instead it took at least 48 minutes for that to happen when a pipeline ruptured on July 1, releasing an estimated 42,000 gallons of oil into the longest undammed river in the U.S.

With Father’s Day right around the corner, maybe you’re scrambling for some great gift ideas for dad. Ties and golf clubs are nice, but maybe this year dad deserves a seriously “cool tool.”

(CNN) — The Ohio state Senate passed a bill Wednesday that would curb the collective bargaining rights of public workers and strip away their power to strike.

Lawmakers approved the measure by a count of 17 to 16, with six Republicans voting in opposition.

The bill, known as Senate Bill 5, is supported by Republican Governor John Kasich. It would curb a 1983 Ohio state law that affords collective bargaining rights to public employees.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Starbucks Corp. debuted a logo Wednesday that brings the iconic green Siren out of the circle and drops the words “Starbucks Coffee.”

Just a few hours later, the backlash against the change started building on both Starbucks’ website and other social media platforms such as Facebook.

Run out of ideas of what to get all the special people in your life? Looking for something out of the ordinary? For something you know he doesn’t have? For something you know she won’t buy herself? Well, here are some fun, fabulous and affordable gifts that are sure to be a surprise and bring a smile this holiday season! Cheers!

Onesies, tutus, ballet flats, festive hats
Have your little ballerina girl show off her holiday sparkle in style. Space Kiddets has the most adorable tutus, onesies and ballet flats with a festive flair. The added sparkle makes these gifts ones that will make everyone joyous. And for an extra jolly giggle, try their festive hats. No parent can resist, and why would you?

Price: Starts at $24, Spacekiddets.com

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Attention T-shirt fans: Bag those deep discounts now because come January, stores could have you paying more for your favorite clothing.

The reason: Cotton prices have nearly doubled this year, hitting a near 15-year high following a chain of events among major Asian cotton producers that has choked off global supply.