Conduct a Letter Writing Campaign for Operation Gratitude

April 25, 2009 By Claire
Posted in Podcast, Spouse and Family

CONDUCT A LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN FOR OPERATION GRATITUDE

American troops are deployed in hostile and remote regions of the world, including the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa 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 troops’ morale, and bring a smile to their faces by sending care packages addressed to individual service members deployed overseas.  These care packages contain food, toiletries, entertainment items, and personal letters of appreciation, all wrapped with good wishes of love and support.
Operation Gratitude sends 100,000+ packages per year.

PURPOSE

The purpose of a ‘Letters to Heroes’ letter writing campaign is to provide quality, heartfelt letters to include in each Operation Gratitude care package.

HEART

The Heart of this program is to bring a smile to the faces of the Service Members who receive and 
read the letters and cards.

WHAT TO WRITE ABOUT

Be thankful ~~ share a little bit of yourself with them. Ask questions (but not about death or killing). 
Avoid politics completely and religion in excess. Saying you pray for them is OK – don’t over do it.
It’s all about heart, appreciation and respect.
Ask yourself:  “Will this letter bring a smile to someone’s face?”

BE CREATIVE

Involve your whole organization or school ~ award prizes for the most letters turned in.  Students or group members can conduct their own campaign with family and friends. Feel free to include your child’s artwork, but bear in mind our boxes are only 8″ x 10″ so please keep them under that size to avoid folding.  
Please avoid glitter.

MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION

No stamps are needed. ~~ Do not seal the envelopes.
Sample salutations include: Dear Service Member, Dear Hero, Dear Brave One, etc. 
Please include your own contact information (mail or email) so recipients can choose to reply. 
A self addressed envelope included with the letter is thoughtful… no stamps needed. 
Hand Written letters or cards with nice notes are most appreciated. 
All letters will be screened by Operation Gratitude, so don’t seal them.  
Don’t be concerned about how many you send, but about the heart in each letter.
 If you do not receive a reply, don’t be discouraged – remember they are busy.

WHERE TO SEND
OPERATION GRATITUDE
16444 Refugio Road
Encino, California 91436

For more information: www.operationgratitude.com

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