(U-WIRE) DAVIS, Calif. — Ramadan or Christmas? For the United States soldiers in Iraq, either celebration will bring with it thoughts of family. However, with 515 confirmed coalition deaths, these thoughts of family may bring soldiers little comfort.

In efforts to possibly alleviate some of the tension, and to show appreciation for the troops' services, students at the University of California at Davis campus are sending holiday greeting cards to the American soldiers in Iraq.

For the past week, the Davis College Republicans and Davis College Democrats, in association with the Cal Aggie Christian Association, have been in front of the school's Memorial Union and the Silo Union, rain or shine, to provide and collect cards that will be sent to the troops. The cards are going to Camp Junction City, in Ar Ramadi, 60 miles outside of Baghdad to be distributed among the 1,500 soldiers there.

Though history would suggest difficulties in organizing a collaborative event between DCD and DCR, "it's been a nonissue," says DCR Event Coordinator Mondona Guerami.

"Supporting the troops doesn't necessarily mean you're taking a stance on the war," she continues.

DCD member Shazib Hussan offers similar sentiments, describing the effort as a chance to "commend [the troops] for what they do."

"This is the least we can do: to let them know we haven't forgotten them and that we appreciate them," he says.

Amanda Sheldon, a former member of DCD and current member of CACA, organized the effort earlier in October with Mike Cuddy of DCR. The response has been largely positive, she says, with a total of 150 cards signed by Wednesday.

In an attempt to discourage people from seeing the event as a pro-war effort, Sheldon encouraged the bipartisan involvement, saying it "would allow people to strictly focus on the troops, regardless of their opinions on the war."

The students in the clubs are funding all efforts with money from their own pockets.

"DCR donated some cards, but the students [in the clubs] have paid for the majority of them, and are going pay for the shipping costs as well," Sheldon says.

The cards are scheduled to be mailed Friday afternoon, and should arrive, if not by Christmas, no later than New Year's.

The cards are all screened before they are sent. John Sapp, a member of DCD, says that there has been "a lot of support." The messages on the whole have been positive. Some of the cards read, "Happy Holidays to the courageous troops," "We are all proud of you," "Our prayers are with you," and "Hope you enjoy the holiday season even if you're not at home."

— Rory Vallis