Day Seven- Send It

This one, our last day of our Words Week, has a few more steps involved.  But it's one of my favorites. 

As you know, it's impossible to support all things, so we just have to choose a few and go deep.
I am an extremely patriotic person (Yes, I know our country isn't perfect... but who is?). And I am extremely grateful to those who choose to serve their country by signing on that dotted line, running the risk that they may be called up at any moment to put their lives in danger for the sake of the masses.  That is no small ask. 

Many may not realize that in their 4,6 or 20 year commitments, and may just look at it as a job, or a way to further their education or... sometimes to stay out of trouble!  I also recognize that the military is not perfect either.  But I choose to focus in on the individuals.  Those men and women who have raised their hand, to serve their country. 
I am so thankful, because I was physically unable to meet the requirements otherwise I would have been among them.  Which means someone else stepped up in my place.
They don't know me... but my life, my safety, my freedom is in their hands. 

So every single year, the soldiers (I use the word "soldiers" but I am including members of every single branch... please don't scold me.) are always on my kindness list.
If this isn't one of your charity options, no worries... like I said, we can give our time,  money and energy to EVERY worthy cause, we have to pick and choose. 
(By the way, if your "cause" is helping the furries, feathered, and scaley... that is coming up later!)

Every year, I send a couple care packages to our military who are deployed.  No, I can't send something to everyone (Shipping is SO expensive!) but I can help some.
I've discovered that I can love on a LOT more service personnel with lighter, less expensive cards and letters.  And as you already know, snail mail is my JAM! 

This year, I'd love to ask for your help.  Mail one card. Mail a dozen.  Mail a hundred.  Every single one matters.  Every single card or letter will make it into the hands of a military personnel who is thousands of miles away from home.  Or who is wounded and recovering in a medical facility. Or you may choose to send a happy card to their family while they are having to fend for themselves while a parent/guardian is away, serving.      

Grab a few packages of notecards from the Dollar Tree, or any store, and get your colorful pens... you've been saving them for such a time as this!!  Pour out words of encouragement, inspiration, gratitude, empowerment, love and affection.
You don't know these people.  You may never meet them. You may not even get a response... but do it anyway.  Write them anyway.  Buy a sheet of stamps and get them in the mail.  You will go to sleep smiling because at different times over the next month or so, someone will be smiling and hopefully feel comforted by the words you send.  
I've included some websites that will help you get your cards and letters to the right people (every single branch is covered!) And they tell you what their protocol is for receiving and sending out the (hopefully) massive piles of mail to waiting military stations. 
Warning: It's addicting.  And that's a good thing.  

---

---

Deployed Military Personnel

​​adoptaplatoon.org
amillionthanks.org
bluestarmoms.org/operation-postcard

Wounded Warriors

homefronthugs.org/missions
​projectliftingspirits.com

Veterans

americasadoptasoldier.org

Families of the Fallen

thegeneralskids.org

Blank Cards for Soldiers
(send blank cards for deployed military to send home to families.)  Mail packs of cards to:
c/o Charly Matthews
388 E M 72 Highway
Grayling, MI 49738