If you are a teacher, or you know of a teacher who could use this information please feel free to share.

I’m a big supporter of showing our gratitude to the troops – not only did I used to serve, but Dave is still serving……. and many of our friends are still in uniform serving as well.

I have posted several ways you can show your thanks to the troops, from donating to Operation Gratitude, to sending their family expired coupons – this post today is one that you help our children support the Military.

Operation Gratitude encourages classrooms to write letters to those who are serving – teachers can engage the students as a part of a classroom project in Civics, History, Social Studies, Writing Skills, Art and Grammar.

You can read more about doing so here on their page – have students (both younger and those in high school) show their thanks for their selfless service – not only to those deployed, but also to Wounded Warriors, and Veterans.

You can include first names only, the school name, address, and classroom/grade, and send in a large envelope or box to:

Operation Gratitude
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Operation Gratitude sends thousands of care packages each year to troops, Wounded Warriors & Veterans – letters are probably the most meaningful way you can show your support. Read more about their project here.

I don’t currently teach …… but I did send this information with Wendy to school this past week to pass onto her teacher  – am hopeful that her teacher incorporates this into the classroom curriculum in some fashion prior to the end of the year.

We (as a family) wrote letters this week at home and are putting into our Gratitude Boxes that we are sending out this coming week with Chapstick, Candy, Gummies, and random oddities.

One of the many ways you can use your stockpile is to send items to the troops who serve overseas.

While we don’t have exact addresses for individuals, we can send our items to Operation Gratitude in Van Nuys, California, who will forward them on to Operation Gratitude sent their one millionth care package last month – you can see the video HERE on NBC News… gab some Kleenex!

Operation Gratitude is non-profit Volunteer-based corporation in California  – they send food, hygiene products, entertainment items and personal letters of appreciation to deployed members of all military branches.

Each year, they send over 100,000 care packages to recipients –  You can pickup Flat Rate Boxes at the Post Office, or order some here to have at your house (we keep them in the garage).

If you have friend, family member or spouse who is deployed in a combat zone  Operation Gratitude will send them a FREE care package – you can sign up on their online request form.

Don’t forget – they need your beanie babies too!  You can Donate your Beanie Babies for the Troops.

Many of us did this last year  – and the offer is still available…what a great way to show your love for a Soldier!

You can head on over here to create a 20-page personal photo book and ship it to any APO, FPO, or MPO address for free.

These full-color, 5×7 softcover books fit perfectly in a soldier’s cargo pocket, yet hold over 60 photos. RocketLife prints the books for free, and the USO pays for shipping.

1. Fill out the form to get your promo code and a link to launch the RocketLife software.
2. Load your pictures and see them transformed into amazing layouts.

Please, if you have friends and family who are military feel free to share this post/offer with them – I know firsthand how difficult it is to have a loved one stationed abroad (whether deployed or on a regular duty station) – something like this can mean the world to that person.

If you have Beanie Babies at your house or perhaps your kiddos do, a great way to teach your kids about helping others would be to gather those beanie babies up and donate to the troops.

Operation Gratitude sends over 100,000 care packages annually to Soldiers serving in harms way.  In every care package that goes out, they include Beanie Babies and Webkinz – and many other smaller toys 6” or less in size.

Many of the service members enjoy the Beanie Babies as a symbol of support – for some it provides them something special they can share with children in the villages where they patrol and for others it’s just a source of support.

They welcome donations of small, stuffed toys (Beanie Babies, Webkinz and more – all 6” and smaller) – you can ship them to Operation Gratitude along with a Donation Form with your package:

Operation Gratitude
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, CA 91406

You can read more on their site HERE for more information and how to be involved in other areas.

Today is the last day to take advantage of this offer. Armed Forces Vacation Club is running another sale on their 7-night Space-A Stays for $299 through 1/17– select locations.

You can see HERE for list – click “Preview Resorts” on the left side of the screen.

The recipient has 12 months from date of purchase to redeem, which is reflected on the “Book By” date printed on the RVC.  They have locations in the US, Europe, South America, the Caribbean + more.

Not all areas have $299 offer, but many do.   They do book up fast…… and you are not required to stay for the 7 days but you will pay $299 for the 7 days regardless of how long you choose to stay.

If you or anyone you know is military, you can sign up to request a savings booklet from Procter & Gamble (P&G).   They have teamed up with the USO to provide you savings.

To request, head over to the Family UNIT website and register to receive a coupon booklet from P&G with $48 in savings. You will need to register and indicate your military affiliation and base location – address, and zip.

Once you fill out your address and information, the book come automatically to you 1-2 weeks later. Subsequent books are sent to you automatically once per quarter.

You must be a military member to request the book. The coupons will be “Military Manufacturer Coupons” that you can use only at your local Commissary, with a small portion being donated to the USO for each coupon used.