During the 2019-2020 school year, IVLA’s National Honor Society members got the incredible opportunity to participate in service projects that make a positive impact on society. With many great choices for which organization the Members wanted to work with, we all came to the conclusion to work with the organization Cardz for Kidz, a nonprofit that allows anyone to write letters for hospitalized children. We were able to make many cards, poems, short stories, and paintings that were creative and fun and also put a smile on these kids’ faces. IVLA’s National Honor Society members and other IVLA students worked together during their monthly social hours to make memorable cards for these kids!

This year, the IVLA National Honor Society members have chosen another amazing nonprofit organization, known as Operation Gratitude! It is a fantastic organization that allows everyone to write inspiring and uplifting letters, short stories, and poems to Deployed Troops, Veterans, and First Responders. If you would really like to put a smile on these peoples’ faces, you can also donate money for the holidays.

Operation Gratitude Mission Statement:

To forge strong bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder Heroes through volunteer service projects, acts of gratitude, and meaningful engagements in communities nationwide.

How to get involved

There are many ways you and your family can get involved with this organization. You can make a digital letter, poem, short story, or whatever your creative mind desires. If you want to do something other than writing, you can donate money to support Operation Gratitude’s establishment.

How to send a digital letter

To send a digital letter, short story, poems, or anything your literary mind desires, follow the link below. You can write a minimum of 350 characters and a maximum of 750 characters. Make sure your writing is both positive and inspiring and be sure to express your gratitude for their service. Operation Gratitude will print out your work and send it to the National Guard, Active Duty Military, Veterans, First Responders, and Healthcare Workers to show them that we are in support of our heroes during this global pandemic.

Operation Gratitude’s online form to send a digital letter to the National Guard, Active Duty Military, Veterans, First Responders, and Healthcare Workers.

How to mail physical cards

Those that took part in the service project this spring know how to make captivating cards, the difference this fall is that they are for adults! You can get any good quality paper and write a nice motivational card for a Veteran, Active Military Personnel, First Responder, and so much more! Make sure to add some color and anything else you want. To send physical cards, follow the instructions below!

Directions for Sending Physical Cards