Thanking Heroes Initiative
During the month of July, the Spark Change Ambassadors supported Operation Gratitude, for our initiative THANKING HEROES - specifically for our deployed troops, veterans, new recruits, first responders, care givers and their families.
Initiative Details
All month long we wrote letters, made cards, painted pictures and made bracelets to show our appreciation for the selfless heroes who serve and sacrifice for us everyday.
#Courage4Heroes
We started out the month by joining the #courage4heroes campaign to show our frontline responders how 'grateful we are for their courage as they spend countless hours and days fighting COVID-19.'
We each filmed and encouraged our communities to shoot a quick video signing "thank you for your courage" in American Sign Language and using the hashtags #courage4heroes and #operationgratitude.
WHY ASL?
As our frontline responders and Americans 'are required to wear face masks and practice social distancing due to the virus, traditional avenues of expressing thanks (hugs, high fives, a smile) have been taken away. ASL allows everyone to show their gratitude from a safe distance.'
Letter Writing Campaign
Operation Gratitude sends 300,000+ care packages each year to deployed troops, veterans, new recruits, and first responders.
The Spark Change Ambassadors loved writing personal letter to our heroes, expressing our sincere appreciation for their service . We even had our littles get involved to create patriotic finger paintings.
"Of all the items included in the care packages, the most cherished are the personal letters of appreciation."
To learn more about how you can register to send letters please visit the link below...
Digital Letters
If you would prefer to send a virtual letter, Veterans United will graciously print out your message on a post card for Operation Gratitude to send in their care packages. To send your digital letter, please visit the Veterans United's Operation Gratitude page.
Paracord "Survival" Bracelets
One of our favorite ways to get involved, was making paracord "survival" bracelets. Operation Gratitude included these in their care packages, because they are both 'functional and meaningful, as they are made by an American' who wants to show their support. Many of our ambassadors turned this into a fun family dinner table activity.
For more information on how to make these, visit the link below...
Paracord "Survival Bracelets Information
Homemade with Love Projects
If you are especially crafty, you can get involved by participating in Operation Gratitude's many homemade with love projects. From sewing, knitting, crocheting, to homemade greeting cards, even cooling ties... there is a fun and meaningful project for everyone.
To learn more about all the creative ways you can support our heroes, visit the link below...
Homemade with Love Information
"We don't know them all, but we owe them all."
Close to Home... and Heart
One of our absolutely outstanding Spark Change Ambassadors and proud military spouse, Savannah Holman, understands firsthand the sacrifice and shared a very special note...
"Deployment. A word that bring emotions and a variety of meanings to many. It is a season of growth for all involved.
'A soldier doesn't fight because he hates what is in front of him, he fights because he loves what he left behind.'
Dear Husband,
Thank you for knowing my love language." -Savannah Holman @holman_homedesign_re
Community
Speaking of Savannah, this phenomenal woman inspired her community and several local businesses to come together for a fun and meaningful event at Sundial Coffee and Tea in Holly Ridge, North Carolina. She organized a letter writing station and gave her area an incredible opportunity to show their love and appreciation.
Impact
Together we were able to make 122 paracord bracelets and over 125 cards, send 27 digital letters, and raise over $300.00 for veterans, active military, deployed troops, first responders and their families. We are sincerely humbled to have been able to offer a small token of our appreciation to these selfless heroes, and are so grateful for Operation Gratitude for allowing us to be a small part of their incredible mission.
Apply to Become an Ambassador
If you are interested in joining this incredible team and becoming a Spark Change Ambassadors, please click here to learn more and to complete your application. If you have any questions or would like to discuss if the Spark Change Ambassador Program is right for you, please email us at info@glowtogetherfoundation.com.
#glowtogetherfoundation #sparkchange #thankingheroes #operationgratitude