The United Church of Rowayton is launching a local Operation Gratitude campaign, sending letters and care packages to veterans and deployed U.S. troops.
Picture from Operation Gratitude website
A soldier with a care package sent through Operation Gratitude.
— an announcement from Rowayton Community Church
“It gives everyone an opportunity to take a personal role in honoring members of our military services on Veterans Day, Nov. 11,” said Bill Peltz, chairman of the UCR Board of Christian Outreach.
“Adults and children are welcome to join in,” Peltz said.
Letters can start out by simply saying, “I am writing to thank you for your service.” Letters can be handwritten or typed. Children can draw pictures if they wish.
“Share a little about yourself,” Peltz said. “Talk about family, hobbies, work, school, pets, sports, books, movies, travel — information you might ordinarily share on Facebook. Your freedom to do all these things is why they are serving.”
Envelopes are not needed. Letters should not be folded.
Care packages can include personal items such as dental floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving gel, cotton swabs, facial tissues, batteries, mini-flashlights, earbuds, flash drives and gift cards.
Letters and care packages can be dropped off between now and Sunday, Nov. 11, at the United Church of Rowayton meeting house, 210 Rowayton Ave.
The letters and care packages will be distributed by Operation Gratitude.
For questions, text, phone or email Bill Peltz (203) 858-0230, whpeltz@gmail.com.
More about Operation Gratitude
From the Operation Gratitude website:
Mission
Operation Gratitude seeks to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for Americans to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation.
How We Do It
Every year, Operation Gratitude sends 300,000+ individually addressed Care Packages to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen deployed overseas, to their children left behind, and to First Responders, New Recruits, Veterans, Wounded Heroes, and their Care Givers. Each package contains snacks, hygiene products, entertainment, and handmade items, as well as personal letters of support.
Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns, Craft Projects, and Care Package Assembly Events, Operation Gratitude provides civilians anywhere in America a way to say “Thank You” through active, hands-on volunteerism.
Each package contains donated products valued between $45 and $100 and costs the organization $15 to assemble and ship.