Letters to the Troops
In order to help celebrate Thanksgiving and the other upcoming holidays, we are going to spend the day composing letters for those serving our country. These letters will be going to troops overseas who are unable to spend the holidays with their own families.
After you compose your letters, I will be mailing them to the AMillionThanks.Org’s collection agency in California. This organization has delivered more than 6.1 million letters that express appreciation and gratitude to those who are or have been a part of America’s military. Let’s be a part of it!
Here are the guidelines for writing a letter: (according to AMillionThanks.Org)
First and foremost, all letters must be uplifting and positive. These letters will be checked by me, as well as by the collection agency. Letters that have negative messages or ideas will be discarded. (Ex: In addition to not writing negative message, also avoid phrases like “I hope you don’t get killed,” etc.)
Address the letter to someone along the lines of “Freedom Fighter,” “Brave Warrior,” or “American Hero” rather than “soldier,” as not all service members are soldiers.
Remember to THANK the troops for protecting and serving our country and our freedoms. We live safe and free because of these brave young men and women!
Some other letter ideas:
Talk about yourself! Troops love to hear about the lives of students in the U.S. It helps distract them from their current realities of being away, while putting a smile of their faces. You can write about what you’re doing in school, what books you’re reading, your family, your pets, your goals, etc. You can even put your email address if you want them to write back to you!
Talk about how much you admire and appreciate what they are doing and wish them a safe and quick journey.
Make your letters colorful, bright, and creative! You can write a short letter and fill up the card with drawings or decorative words.
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Though there are a bunch of organizations that send out the letters to the troops, I will be sending our class’s letters and cards to:
A Million Thanks
17853 Santiago Blvd. #107-355
Villa Park, CA 92861
You can even send care packages if you want! Feel free to send more letters or packages to any organization!
Such a small task, small note, small card makes a remarkably GREAT difference!
For the teacher to complete, if desired:
Dear Our American Hero,
If you have an opportunity to write back to our students, they would love to hear from you! Please send an email to me at , or aletter by U.S. mail and I will forward it. Our school address is:
Verona High School
c/o: Taylor DeMaio
151 Fairview Avenue,
Verona, NJ 07044
Your commitment and dedication to our country are inspiring. By giving our students the opportunity to communicate with you, you give them real life lessons in courage and service.Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our country.
Sincerely,
Ms. Taylor DeMaio