Service From Afar

Project Ideas:

1. Work with Operation Gratitude to send items to first responders and/or our troops, called #VirtualVolunteerism by the organization. https://www.operationgratitude.com/

• Handmade With Love Items. There is something about receiving a handmade item that warms the heart. If you knit, crochet, or sew, we are calling on you to get out your needles and hooks and redouble your efforts during these challenging times. If you love to craft, consider hand-making greeting cards so our Deployed Troops can write to their loved ones at home.  Every Handmade With Love item is an expression of deep appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our recipients. 
• Make Paracord Bracelets. We include handcrafted paracord bracelets in every one of our Care Packages, because they’re both functional and meaningful. You can purchase the cord in bundles of 5 by visiting Operation Gratitude’s eBay site, or you can respond directly to this email to order 100 or more paracords for your family and friends.
• Write Letters. We hear time and again that handwritten letters are the most cherished items in our Care Packages. You can learn more about how to write a letter to a Deployed Service Member or a First Responder on our website. This is a great activity for volunteers of all ages! 

2. Write letters to people in nursing homes

• Send them a video (with permission from the director) to brighten their day.
• Create greeting cards and send them.

3. Post positive messages in public places

• Inspirational videos to be posted on the schools message board.
• Poster of thanks posted in the grocery store to employees.
• First responder thank you hearts in your windows.
• Rainbow decorations on your home and lawn (representing the rainbow after the storm).
• Send a thank you email to your teachers.
• Create positive chalk messages in public places.

***Be sure to add any community service you do over the summer to the Community Service Log. Remember, you are required to have five hours of service before the November induction ceremony.*** I am posting the form here: Service Hours Log

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy, and stay productive! I look forward to seeing the amazing service projects you develop from afar!!!!!