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? Below you can find suggestions of what to write.
We apologize that we cannot share soldier's addresses but we are bound by privacy laws. However, many people who have participated in our program often begin a pen-pal relationship with the soldiers who have received their cards. If you would like to hear back from the soldiers please remember to include your address and e-mail address on all of your items.
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New Flat Stanley pictures are here!
(Click above to find your best photo to use)
Letters from Home Flat Stanley Project
In the book, Flat Stanley, by Jeff Brown, Stanley is squashed flat by a falling bulletin board. One of the many advantages is that Flat Stanley can now visit his friends by traveling in an envelope. We need your help! Make us a picture of you, telling the soldier about your town, your weather, your hobbies or interests.? Consider dressing up your Flat ___________ as you are, so the soldier has a friend from the USA to keep him company.
Make a paper Flat Stanley.? Dress it up any way you would like. Put the sender's name, return address and e-mail address on the back. Mail it to us at LFH and we will forward your Flat Stanley project on to the Troops.
Letters From Home Program
PO Box 125
Johnsonburg, PA 15845
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Dear Soldier,??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ____________, 200_
Thank you so much for agreeing to welcome one of our flat?travelers! If you would be so kind to host Flat _____________, I am sure to make you smile. I promise not to be in your way, but if you need,?fold me up and put me in your pocket, carry me along on your day, or put me under your pillow, and I will be here for you.?As you will notice, I have traveled lightly and am only here to make you smile. Remember that we support you in the USA and anxiously await your arrival home.
Sincerely,
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You can mail all of your items to
Letters From Home Program
Chris & Jim Jovenitti
?PO Box 125
Johnsonburg, PA 15845
or you can use one of our drop off locations. In either case, please be sure to include your name and return address so we can contact you with our next campaign.
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Our guidelines are simple. All we ask is that you keep your correspondence on a cheerful note. Some of our favorite letters and cards include thanks to the soldiers for their service, protection and selflessness. It is very encouraging for them to hear they are thought of and prayed for. On cards we ask that no glitter is used, it has been a problem in past mailings. Glitter pens are fine to use. We also ask that you do not seal your letter or card in an envelope, this way we can inspect all items. Envelopes can be included, just not sealed. Thank you for your compliance.
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We also collect phone cards for in our soldier's packages.
If you would like to sponsor a phone card, we will be accepting donations for them at every campaign and are also in need of?monetary donations for shipping costs. See our donation page for more information.
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Why Write?
2:00 pm every day but Sunday. That's when my mail comes. You know what time your mail comes too, everyone does. Why do we enjoy getting mail so much? Is it the surprise of what's inside the mailbox? Is it the chance that we are receiving unexpected good news? Even though we know that our mailbox most likely only holds bills, advertisements and junk, we never miss picking up our mail on a daily basis. When was the last time you let your mail set in the mailbox overnight?
Some of my favorite mail to get is Christmas Cards, or any kind of a greeting card. It means that someone remembered me! If they remembered me, I must be important to them, and that warms my heart. We all need to know that we are remembered and important to someone.
That is the reason I know it’s worthwhile to send letters and cards to our Troops. It raises their morale when they are in a dark place. It gives them a pat on the back and says, "You’re doing a good job and we appreciate it." It lets them know that they are not forgotten.
Imagine opening your mail and getting a card from a complete stranger that says, "What you’re doing is important. You’re making our world a better place to live in and we appreciate that. You’re in our thoughts and prayers."
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Suggestions of What To Write
If you're still wondering what to write to our soldiers, here are some suggestions to get you started. You can tell them...
Why you are thankful to live in the USA
Why you appreciate their sacrifices to protect all of us
What the recent weather has been like
About a family outing, reunion, or special occasion
About your family, your pets, your car
How you spend your free time
Funny stories or jokes
About a family member who is a veteran
You can include pictures or drawings and write a letter about the picture
Children's artwork is especially loved by our Troops, so get the kids involved too!
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A letter dated November 23, 2004
I just wanted to thank you and tell you what an honor it was to be a part of the "Letters from Home" program.? My intent was to give and show my support to our troops, but as with anything that is truly good,?
I ended up receiving more than I gave.? What did I receive?? Well, a number of things:
1.? Pride - both in our country and especially our community.
2.? Companionship - Your group made me feel completely at home.? They welcomed me and treated me as if I were a life long friend.
3.? Honor - this is such a worthy cause, and there is no greater honor than to serve one's country.? To have the privilege of serving these men and women, even in such a small way, brought me an overwhelming happiness that I can not describe.
4.? Faith and Hope - It was very reaffirming to see the goodness that is God and that through his love a room full of people can make a difference.?
Sincerely,
A soldier's mother who attended the Nov. 2004 Letter Stuffing Party
3/3/06
Dear Friend,
??? I am writing this little note because, regardless of who you are or what you may have been "before 911", you are now a hero and have become a protector of our way of life.? It is my hope that you are proud of your efforts, accomplishments, which all too often are unknown and under-appreciated here in the USA.? I am a 71 year old man, living in? modest circumstances near a small rural town in NE Washington State.? My daily activities consist mainly of working in my lawn and garden, enjoying the love of my wife and companionship of my dog and the birds which flock to the feeders and bird houses on the side of my shed.? I can drive to the grocery store, worship in the church I want, take an afternoon nap, or stroll outside late at night - all without any fear.? All these things, and so much more, are possible because people like YOU protect my right to do so.? The sacrifices you endure and the dangers you face are the mark of greatness.? I salute you.? I am an American who loves you, depends on you, and prays that you will return whole - to a grateful country.? It must be hard to keep your head down and your chin up, but I know you will!
Yours very truly,
Mark
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A letter that came in to Letters From Home on 12/08/04 for our Troops.
(author unknown)
Dear American Son/Dear American Daughter:
??? Mom and I have put away the Thanksgiving dishes and decorations until next year, but kept the yellow ribbons visible, gently blowing in the southeasterly winds from the Caribbean.? Miami is especially beautiful this time of year.? Hurricane season is officially over and the temperatures never vary much from 60's in the early mornings to the low 80's at mid-day.
?????? We had much less family this year for Thanksgiving as is was a congested weekend at airports and several of the family decided to stay at home.? We prayed for you and even set a place at the table in your honor.? Your six year old nephew, put a scoop of sweet potatoes and a slice of turkey, without gravy, on your plate. Later on, I asked him where was the turkey and potato?? He rubbed his tummy and said, "can't waste food, Dad."??
??? I went out to the back of the house overlooking the bay and fed the seagulls some of the leftovers. Before the birds had their fill, I commanded them to carry a message to you using their trans-continental friends.? I simply said, "on your wings will be a message from me to you? of pride, love and hope."? The pride is how we feel about what you are giving and sacrificing for our freedom.? The love is how all of us, family and friends feel towards you.? The hope is what we pray each day for your safe return.? No matter what you hear to the contrary, we all believe in what you are doing for the people of the country where you are stationed.? We are 100% behind you in thought, in heart and in what we say between ourselves.? Americans display from their cars, on home flagpoles, and even at work Old Glory with sayings like, "Proud to be an? American."
??? As you remember, the day after Thanksgiving is supposed to be the biggest shopping day of the year.? Well, even Wal-Mart store sales slipped this year.? Most American s are concerned about what is happening in your neck of the woods rather than to go shopping.? These days, we are glued to the evening news to get a glimpse of you and your buddies and to know what you are going through.?
??? Our plans for Christmas is to travel to family since we could not all be together at Thanksgiving.? Sears had a sale on jewelry boxes, so your niece will get that from all of us.? Lego is a MUST toy for our grandson, no and's, if's, or but's.? Mother made a few gifts herself.? Remember how handy she is?? It's nice not to spend a lot of money and it comes across much better to give something personal.? Since retiring, I find myself digging out something from my past and then giving it away for birthdays and anniversaries.? This Christmas, I' ll be placing little things , like a cool pocket knife under the tree with a lot of thought for the person it is intended for. Just as you might guess, sometimes the recipient appreciates it and other times they are a bit disappointed.? but, at least I tried and at the same time kept my credit card balance low.? Please remember me to all your buddies.? Watch out for each other and when you do something you are really proud of doing,...
either say it out loud or within, "that's for you Dad."?
I love you and remember you though each day and especially in the evenings.?
Dad, Just before Christmas, 2004
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views since 10/22/04
