Who wouldn’t love some appreciation letters in the mail?!!
Don’t forget our military and our first responders this holiday season!
Writing appreciation letters is a great way to show your love and support this season!
For the last few years, when I went to write my Christmas Cards to my family, I decided to also have my children draw some pictures and write some appreciation letters to the military.
While it took some digging, I found a legitimate address to send packages of thank you cards (and other small gifts from your stockpile).
So let’s give back to our Brave Men & Women who serve and who give so much to us by saying “Thank You!” because one of the most cherished items they can receive is appreciation letters or cards from you and me!
Because it’s a Blessing To Be A Blessing and writing military letters is easy!
A small act of kindness like sending letters to military soldiers and first responders can make a huge ripple effect this time of year!
And we have so much to be thankful for this time of year, it’s so great to show our love and support to those who sacrifice so much for us all year round!
Operation Gratitude
Ever since the Terror Attacks on 9/11/01, the government requires that all cards being sent by strangers to our military need to be screened by a third party to ensure they are safe to receive.
Operation Gratitude is that sorting location. When you send cards and appreciation letters to Operation Gratitude, they will forward them to our deployed troops, veterans, new recruits, first responders, & wounded warriors.
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You can even get your kids involved by drawing pictures and writing appreciation letters too!
Please Write Specifically To A:
- Deployed Troop – This is a person currently serving overseas and in harm’s way.
- Veteran – This person has served our country in the past.
- New Recruit – This person has just completed Boot Camp and has sworn to serve for the next 4 (or more) years.
- First Responder – This person serves as a firefighter, a paramedic or in law enforcement.
- or Wounded Warrior – This person was injured in combat.
As you can see, Operation Gratitude doesn’t only send letters to military soldiers. Isn’t that neat?!!
All Deserve To Be Thanked For Their Commitment & Bravery.
There are some important guidelines to follow when writing appreciation letters:
- Start with a salutation, such as “Dear Hero” or “Dear Brave One”
- Express your thanks for their selfless service.
- Avoid politics completely and religion in excess; however, saying you pray for them is wonderful.
- Share a little about yourself: Family, Hobbies, Work, School, Pets, Travel.
- Talk about life & interests: Sports, Weather, Music, Movies, Food, Books.
- Adults: Include your contact information (mail or email) so the letter/package recipient can reply.
- Children: FIRST NAMES ONLY and please do not include your personal address.
- Still can’t find the words when writing military letters? Consider drawing or painting a picture instead {Please avoid glitter and foam stickers}
Use Your Couponing Skills To Give Back As Well
Did you score a deal on:
- Chocolate Candy
- Packaged Snacks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Stuffed Animals
- Cookies
- or Gift Cards?
Pack them up and send them along with your letters to military soldiers too!
Need some more ideas for care packages or what our military might want in a care package? Here are some great ideas!
Where To Send The Appreciation Letters
When you’re ready to send your cards, letters to military soldiers, and pictures, please submit this Donor Form first and then ship them to:
Operation Gratitude ATTN: Letter Writing Program 21100 Lassen Street Chatsworth, CA 91311-4278
I’ve also found a couple of organizations right here in Florida that send troops letters and care packages.
Looking for some organizations local to you? Find more organizations that supports our troops!
It feels so good to send some cheer to our fellow Americans who are sacrificing by serving.
So let them know you appreciate their service by writing military letters!
Because it’s a Blessing To Be A Blessing!
Your small act of kindness can a huge ripple effect and it’s such a great way to show your kids how they can give back.
And don’t we have so much to be thankful for this time of year? Let’s show our love and support to those who sacrifice so much for us all year round!
