NHS Letters to Troops
Tens of thousands of American Service Members are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, and on ships throughout international waters. The physical conditions they must endure are difficult and they may be separated from loved ones for long periods of time. Operation Gratitude seeks to lift morale and put smiles on faces by sending care packages addressed to individual Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed in harm’s way, to their children left behind, and to Veterans, Wounded Warriors and First Responders.
I. Write Letters to Troops: It will only take 5 minutes out of your day to write a letter, but it will bring joy to our troops that will last a lifetime.
What to Write About: Keep your message upbeat and positive Be thankful– share a little bit of yourself Ask questions; however, do not discuss death or killing Avoid politics completely and religious in excess It is all about appreciation and respect Ask yourself: “Will this letter bring a smile to someone’s face?” Sample Situations:
Dear Hero, Dear Brave One
· Write school address and email somewhere on the actual letter:
-Yorba Linda High School, 19900 Bastanchury Rd., Yorba Linda, CA, 92886; )
· Include your first and last name (with parents approval) so that we can forward you any responses from them.
· Put letter in standard sized envelope unsealed with your name on it (we will not be sending in the envelopes)
· May include drawings or colorful decorations but NO glitter please!
· Hand written letters or cards are most appreciated; all letters will be screened
· Letters should be about 1 page in length on white paper or stationary
OR LETTERS TO VETERANS: America owes our Military Veterans an eternal debt of gratitude. Now is your chance to thank those courageous Veterans who served our nation in past military conflicts.
A.Send us the name and Address of a Veteran
If you know a Veteran who would like to receive a Letter of Gratitude, please provide the name of the Veteran, regular mailing address (we want them to receive the letter in their physical mailbox at home), and specify in which war(s) they served to.
B.Write a Letter of Gratitude to a Veteran (same rules apply as above)
It is long overdue, but never too late. Write a Letter of Gratitude to a Veteran thanking them for all they did for our country.
II. Wish List: Tell Friends and Family about Operation Gratitude and ask for donation for supplies.
-Knit Hats, Scarves, Neck Gators - Individually packaged razors
-Yarn for our knitters to make scarves - Travel-Size Board Games, Handheld electronic games
-Paracord Survival Bracelets - Headsets (earpiece and microphone) and WebCams
-Beanie Babies, Webkinz or other Small Plush Toys (6 inches or smaller)
-Socks (preferably black, brown, green, tan; not white)
-Hand and Foot Warmers
-Energy Bars, Beef Jerky, Healthy Snacks
-Commercially wrapped individual packets of Trail Mix, Nuts, Energy Bars, Sunflower Seeds, Candy
-Commercially sealed Lip Balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant
III. Make Paracord Survival Bracelets: NHS Bracelet Party on October 13 (see below)
à VIEW HOW TO MAKE PARACORD BRACELETS ONLINE, ON THE NHS CLUB PAGE
IV. Letter Responses
“You will never fully know how much your letter means to me.
As I read it, I teared up because I can tell that you are speaking from your heart. It is because of Americans like you that veterans are proud of their service to our country and that is why our current warriors are proud to serve this great nation and its people…Because of you, it is more than just okay to be a Viet Nam Vet. You touched my heart. Thank you.” Respectfully, T.W. Viet Nam May, 1968-July, 1969
“When I opened your envelope today and read your letter and the 3 others you have sent me, I was profoundly moved. Through the years since I returned home, I have had people, from time to time, thank me for my service. But this is the first time I have received letters sent from the heart by people who have no idea who I am. Only the fact that I served. With each one I read, I could feel the emotions welling up inside and when I finished the last one, I was filled to bursting with pride, love for my country, and love for my people. Please accept my thanks for your thoughtfulness and caring. I never thought letters like this could have such an effect. You have given me a gift I will carry in my heart always.” Sincerely, RM2 P.R. USCG
V. How NHS Will Help:
Fundraising Dates: Oct. 3, 2012 - Nov. ,2012
· Every NHS member MUST write a letter to a current troop member or a veteran
-Then, he/she can choose between earning service hours by attending the “Bracelet Party” on October 13 to make paracord bracelets OR fundraising in your neighborhood to buy at least 5 items from the Wish List above.
-The “Bracelet Party”: October 13, 2012 at 12:00 at Jessica Phung’s house (21845 Heatheridge Drive, Yorba Linda). Our goal is to make at least 75 bracelets, so please come and join us!
· All letters and donations will be screened and sent to Operation Gratitude to be sent out to troops across the world.
· All donations and letters MUST be turned into Mrs. Nicholson’s room 388 in a bag with your name on it OR before November !
-We will also be collecting letters and donations in the library on November from 2:45-3:30.
Remember inactive members will receive a strike if they do not participate. (3 strikes=removed from NHS)