Just A Letter

Photo Credit:  Mikey's Funnies

It’s “just a letter” – you may think,

Simple words – paper, ink.

Seems old-fashioned, some may say,

Could it really make their day?

A letter can be kissed or maybe catch some tears,

A letter can be saved and last for many years.

A letter can be tucked away or possibly displayed,

It can be read on happy days or even when dismayed.

Letter writing is an art, some may feel is lost,

But, special letters will be kept, never to be tossed.

Take a moment, grab a pen.  Make somebody smile,

The difference “just a letter” makes truly is worthwhile!

I hope that all of my Sunshines enjoyed the Spring Break with family and friends!  My kiddos weren’t quite ready to go back, but ready or not, Monday arrived!  I also hope that this short little poem I wrote has planted a seed that might blossom into a letter today!  Why?  Because my friend, Mikey, does an inspiring letter project every Easter and I want to share those details with you!

From Mikey:

Each year, our wonderful Funnies readers help with a very cool Easter project.  I'm asking you to be a part as well - either with your family, church, youth group, school, etc.  It can make a significant impact on those who participate!

Every Easter Eve morning (Saturday), our family goes to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (Boot Camp) in San Diego.  We - and many other folks - deliver patriotic Easter bags to each of the 100 sick and injured Marine recruits on base.  Our goal is to bring cheer to these special recruits on Easter weekend and to show them how much we support them and stand behind their determination to become a United States Marine.

You can't believe what this does for these guys.  They wake up that morning to what will most likely be just another boring day as they wait to heal and return to training or be sent home.  When they come back from morning chow and see us waiting there with big smiles and hugs, well, the transformation is amazing!

You can be a BIG part of that impact - in a very simple way!

These patriotic Easter bags are filled with items that have been donated from various sources.  The recruits receive phone cards, envelopes, stamps, note pads, and pens.  But the important gift in this bag is a bundle of letters that we collect from children and adults all over the country.  Last year, each recruit had 30 letters in their bag.  That's over 3,000 letters!

Would you please help by collecting letters and/or drawings from children of all ages?  We also need letters from adults of all ages.  The subject can be patriotic, holiday wishes, or even a simple thank you for serving our country.  It can be from schools (public or private), Sunday schools, clubs, retirement homes, and just your own family.

Following are simple guidelines for the letters:

- Notes, letters, pictures, and cards accepted.

- Salutation should be "Dear Recruit".

- Send all the letters/drawings in one package to the address below.

- NO personal return addresses.

- Mark the back of each note with a classroom sticker or stamp with the school address, if they desire possible responses from recruits.

- We ask that you not use glitter.

Please mail your letters to arrive by March 27, 2017 to the following address:

Marine Moms Online Easter Project

c/o Mike Atkinson

3755 Avocado Blvd.

Box 402

La Mesa, CA 91941

Thanks in advance for your support of our project.  We can make the Easter season just a little better for these recruits who SO desire to serve our country!

Thanks!

Mikey

Yes, since I took a bit of time off these last two weeks, I see that the deadline is HERE!  Soooo…..can you grab a pen, marker, or crayon and jot down a little note of encouragement today?  I thank you and I’m sure that all of the recruits on the receiving end of your love thank you too!  I assure you that they won’t think, “Oh…it’s just a letter.”

May God bless you abundantly for sharing your gift of time!

Have a wonderful week, Sunshines!  Bye for now!