(Irvine, CA) December 30, 2004 --Mitch Goldstone a well-known leader in the photo industry, is also recognized for his national grassroots campaigns, such as www.epiccusa.com, which brought thousands of people to New York City to support the airlines and commerce in the Big Apple after 9/11. Among other humanitarian campaigns was last summer's www.supportthegames.org which was also organized with his partner, Carl Berman, to bring business leaders to Athens for the Olympic games.

This time, Goldstone is reaching out to picture-takers across the U.S. with "Operation Photo" -- a program appeal for photographers to donate their older model digital cameras to families of service members distanced during the New Year. Operation Homefront, the national non-profit who serves military families of deployed service member, will be distributing the cameras as part of their communications program.

The trash pile of electronic gadgets are inundated with outmoded pagers, antiquated cell phones and now older-model digital cameras models. These devices often get squirreled away in the family appliance closet as newer models are purchased. In the case of digital cameras, the older models are still ideal for taking family photos and now have a new life as people contribute their used cameras to "Operation Photo" as a catalyst for disseminating it to military families.

Only digital cameras and only those in good operational condition will be processed. In return, 30 Minute Photos Etc. -- the national online photo service -- will validate a $25 online gift certificate towards its www.30minphotos.com digital processing photo service for each operational digital camera mailed to "Operation Photo." [Limit, maximum of four separate gift certificates per person / address]. All the donated digital cameras will be packaged for distribution to military bases and military family support organizations across the nation; each camera will include a special 40% discount for ordering Kodak-quality photos from www.30minphotos.com. Service members abroad can also use the company's free photo sharing service to send pictures back home and order real photos too. All orders are ready in minutes and mailed back across the U.S. the same business day when received prior to 6:10 PM (ET).

"This is a `win-win' for everyone. People who just bought newer model digital cameras now have a noble method for sharing their used digital cameras with families of service members. Military families can exchange and share their personal photos with each other. And even camera manufacturers benefit by offering incentives to consumers who upgrade to newer model digital camera technologies," explained Goldstone, president and CEO of 30 Minute Photos Etc.

"We are thrilled about this program, it will enhance the visual communication between military families and deployed spouses," says Ernie Leidiger, Executive Director of Operation Homefront. "We currently have a computer distribution program that recycles good pre-owned computers to young military families in need, the digital cameras provide for a great add-on to the email communications. Dads and Moms serving overseas can share pictures and changes that happen in their families while they're gone. Many military families can't afford this luxury. Enhancing communications between families helps alleviate problems and loneliness from occurring."

Goldstone explained that because 100% of his online customers already own digital cameras, they are prime candidates for also owning older model cameras and is promoting "Operation Photo" nationwide to this national customer base.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DONATING USED DIGITAL CAMERAS TO "OPERATION PHOTO":

1) If your used digital camera is in good working condition, mail it along with the instruction manual and any accessories to: OPERATION PHOTO, c/o 30 Minute Photos Etc., 92 Corporate Park Plaza, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92606.

2) email questions to: [email protected].

3) Include your email address to receive a $25 gift certificate credit towards your next 30minphotos.com online photo order (providing your donated digital camera is in good working condition).

BACKGROUND:

30 Minute Photos Etc., founded in 1990 is based in Irvine, CA and has been a long time partner with the community. The company lists a sampling of many local and national organizations which it is involved with on the www.30minphotos.com website.

OPERATION HOMEFRONT is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the military families left home while their spouses are deployed. It also operates the largest community website for military families - www.cinchouse.com. More information can be found at www.operationhomefront.net.