Send us Letters, Greeting Cards, Flat Stanley Projects, Artwork
or any message of positive support for our
Campaign.
#3 "Let Freedom Ring" for 2010
- Thanksgiving/Christmas/ Thinking of you cards, etc.
It is for September thru December 2010 events AND ANY OTHER OCCASION YOU WOULD LIKE or even maybe a postcard from your vacation to tell our troops how much you appreciate the freedom you have here in the United States. We will be collecting any card of support from Thinking of You, a homemade card of Support, A Hug from Home card, along with goodies for the troops.
The only item we ask for the homemade cards, is NO glitter.
Some of the items we will be collecting :
- These items were collected at our dice run to send on to the troops.
1. Something to Eat -ie: granola bars; jerky, nuts, candy, snacks and gum and tuna in packet not in cans; anything individually wrapped and nutritional that they can pick up and put in their pocket and go. Chocolate is allowed this campaign.
2. Something to Drink: ie: crystal light on the go packets; again anything individually wrapped . Individual package coffee.
3. Something
fun: ie; phone cards, international only - playing cards; puzzle books; small nerf balls, yoyo's; mini footballs, tennis balls,. Please no large bottles of toiletries. Only Individual size items.4.
No -- Phone Cards- We will not be collecting money for phone cards, due to the rising cost.5. Toothpaste/toothbrushes/dental floss/ chapstick. Challenge your family and friends and put on a drive of these items and see how many you can collect. ASK your dentist to help out!!
2010 Letter Stuffing Dates:
November 21- 2010 Letter Stuffing Party "Let Freedom Ring"
2011 Letter Stuffing Dates:
April 10, 2011 - Letter Stuffing Party " Sweet Land of Liberty"
July 17, 2011 Letter Stuffing Party "Flying the Flag of Freedom"
November 20, 2011 Letter Stuffing Party " Thank You from America"
(All items and address submission needs in on the 1st of the month that we make the packages, ie: April 1, July 1, and November 1.)
Letter and Card Guidelines
Our guidelines are simple. All we ask is that you keep your correspondence on a cheerful note. Some of our favorite letters and cards include thanks to the soldiers for their service, protection and selflessness. It is very encouraging for them to hear they are thought of and prayed for. On cards we ask that no glitter is used, it has been a problem in past mailings. Glitter pens are fine to use. We also ask that you do not seal your letter or card in an envelope, this way we can inspect all items. Envelopes can be included, just not sealed. Thank you for your compliance.
Why Write?
2:00 pm every day but Sunday. That's when my mail comes. You know what time your mail comes too, everyone does. Why do we enjoy getting mail so much? Is it the surprise of what's inside the mailbox? Is it the chance that we are receiving unexpected good news? Even though we know that our mailbox most likely only holds bills, advertisements and junk, we never miss picking up our mail on a daily basis. When was the last time you let your mail set in the mailbox overnight?
Some of my favorite mail to get is Christmas Cards, or any kind of a greeting card. It means that someone remembered me! If they remembered me, I must be important to them, and that warms my heart. We all need to know that we are remembered and important to someone.
That is the reason I know it’s worthwhile to send letters and cards to our Troops. It raises their morale when they are in a dark place. It gives them a pat on the back and says, "You’re doing a good job and we appreciate it." It lets them know that they are not forgotten.
Imagine opening your mail and getting a card from a complete stranger that says, "What you’re doing is important. You’re making our world a better place to live in and we appreciate that. You’re in our thoughts and prayers."
Suggestions of What To Write
If you're still wondering what to write to our soldiers, here are some suggestions to get you started. You can tell them...
* Why you are thankful to live in the USA
* Why you appreciate their sacrifices to protect all of us
* What the recent weather has been like
* About a family outing, reunion, or special occasion
* About your family, your pets, your car
* How you spend your free time
* Funny stories or jokes
* About a family member who is a veteran
* You can include pictures or drawings and write a letter about the picture
*
Children's artwork is especially
loved by our Troops, so get the kids involved too!
A letter dated November 23, 2004 I just wanted to
thank you and tell you what an honor it was to be a part of the "Letters from
Home" program. My
intent was to give and show my support to our troops, but as with anything that
is truly good,
I ended up
receiving more than I gave. What did I receive? Well, a number of
things:
1. Pride -
both in our country and especially our community.
2.
Companionship - Your group made me feel completely at home. They welcomed
me and treated me as if I were a life long friend.
3. Honor -
this is such a worthy cause, and there is no greater honor than to serve one's
country. To have the privilege of serving these men and women, even in
such a small way, brought me an overwhelming happiness that I can not describe.
4. Faith and
Hope - It was very reaffirming to see the goodness that is God and that through
his love a room full of people can make a difference.
Sincerely,
A soldier's
mother who attended
the Nov. 2004 Letter Stuffing Party
Our Letter stuffing
party date will be held on
at Sacred Heart Activity Center on Center Street in St Marys. Registration starts at 12:30pm with the first package being assembled promptly at 1:00 pm. Please join us in making the packages of support.
Christine Jovenitti, Director of Letters from Home Program
6631 Ridgway Jbg Rd
-
-
Letters from Home Program is a non-profit, 501c3 corporation dedicated to supporting our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guards stationed away from home. The program is run by dedicated volunteers, but we are growing at such an alarming rate that the current leadership is stretched to capacity.
Just like the military, WE NEED YOU!
Please contact our director, Ms. Christine Jovenitti by phone at (814) 781-1982
or email
lettersfromhome@windstream.net if you can help.
