25 Days of Giving: Day 3

I was greeted at the door tonight with hugs and marker-stained fingers. “Thank you for your service” and a silly green snowman decorated green construction papers. The girls spent the afternoon making holiday cards for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed overseas.  I was inspired by my neighbor Jeannie, whose daughters created beautiful cards over the weekend for the troops. I thought it was a wonderful idea and beautiful way to say thank you to those who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom (plus a great "giving" activity for kids!). The girls had fun making and decorating cards, which we will send out tomorrow. I’m hoping their cards will bring a smile to the troops’ faces and let them know we appreciate them, especially during the holiday season, when they are away from their loved ones.   

How to Give Back: I found a number of organizations that are collecting handmade holiday cards and sending them to the troops- the one we chose was the “Holidays for Heroes” program hosted by the American Red Cross.  All cards need to be sent in by Dec. 7th to ensure delivery for the holidays. For more information and details, visit www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-hereos