FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq - ISF and Multi-National Division-Baghdad, Paratoopers distributed more than 800 donated blankets and dozens of children's toys to Iraqi civilians during a Iraqi-led humanitarian drive Feb. 4 in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad.

National Police officers assigned to the 8th NP Brigade, 2nd NP Division, with their partners from the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, MND-B, distributed wool blankets to help citizens of New Baghdad. NPs and Paratroopers also donated a variety of toys to area children.

Iraq Brig. Gen. Ali Ibraheem Dabown, commander of the 8th NP Brigade, worked with local leaders of New Baghdad to ensure the needed goods went to the less fortunate people of the district.

"We love and support the National Police," said Abd Muhammad Jaheel after receiving her blanket. "This is such a great gift for us, and we are very happy."

This is the second humanitarian drive in the last two weeks that the NPs and their U.S. counterparts have held in the New Baghdad district. Ali, local leaders and Coalition Forces have made events like this a priority.

The commander of the 2nd Bn., 505th Parachute Inf. Regt., said the NPs and local leaders are not only keeping the citizens of New Baghdad safe, but also trying to improve their daily lives.

"The great thing about working with leaders in this area is that they care about their community," said Lt. Col. Louis Zeisman, a native of Fayetteville, N.C., commander of the 2nd Bn., 505th Parachute Inf. Regt. "It is very rewarding to work with them [local leaders], as they not only ensure the security of the populace, but also work to improve the quality of life of those they serve."

Paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Bn., 505th Parachute Inf. Regt., will continue to work with their Iraqi partners in the months to come. A third humanitarian drive is scheduled to take place in the near future across New Baghdad. The 8th NP Bde., and Paratroopers are also planning a series of school supplies distribution events to help local area schools.