EDMONDS, Wash. - An Edmonds man has launched an extraordinary effort to honor families whose loved ones won't be home for the holidays. It's a small gesture that's already having a profound impact.
Mrs. Pendergrass's first-grade class at Maplewood Elementary returns from recess with a very important job ahead of them. They're making holiday cards that mean more than words to those who read them, sent to the FAMILIES of our service members... because they're fighting this war too.
"It makes them happy and it's really good to help their families," said 7-year-old Elle. Today's art project is about helping families facing the holidays while their loved ones are facing the enemy.
Mike Schindler is the man behind this first-time effort to remember the families who are often forgotten.
"They're the silent support and strength behind our service members," he said.
He figured he'd get a few hundred cards delivered to service members' families. He's gotten a few thousand. The cards from the kids are the ones that really get him. Today he's reads a card from a 6th grader:
"I hope the war ends and your loved ones come back," he reads. "For a family member to be able to receive that card and just feel that love from a total stranger, that's what makes it all worth it."
Back at Maplewood Elementary, a job well done. Elle shows off her finished product.
"I put some stars in it and I decorated the stars. And I wrote 'Love, Elle' and I put some decorations on it," she explains.
A job well done in a labor of love for those who work even harder to keep us safe.
If you'd like to make cards for military families, please include a blank envelope with postage and mail to:
Operation Military Family
23632 Hwy 99, Ste. F #354
Edmonds, WA 98026
www.operationmilitaryfamily.org
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