GREEN & GLOVER: Santa loves the troops

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By Stephanie Green and Elizabeth Glover

We hear St. Nick is going to visit female soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan a little early this year, thanks to a new program from the USO.

Mark Phillips, vice president of communications for the USO, tells G2 exclusively that for the first time ever, the USO is launching its Care Package Stuffing Parties for Women in the Rayburn House Office Building foyer on Nov. 18.

This is the first time that the party, a tradition since 2003, has packed away goodies "that are uniquely tailored to women," Mr. Phillips says.

He explains that this year's stocking stuffers will include skin-care products, lip balm and hand cream — perfect amenities for soldiers braving the onset of old man winter in South Asia and the Middle East.

(Corrected paragraph:) Among the 200 Santa's elves at the event will be second lady Jill Biden; Sheila Casey, wife of Army Chief of Staff George W. Casey; Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; and members of the USO Congressional Caucus.

Mr. Phillips tells us that 2,000 packages will be prepared on the 18th and they should land before Christmas.

We're also told the ladies overseas can expect "an unexpected" gift from the North Pole, but sorry, far be it from us to spoil a surprise.

Suffice it to say, it's something on every wish list this holiday season.