Service Projects

Your Club’s Service Projects can focus on Lions International’s 8 GLOBAL CAUSES

MD4 SERVICE – 3rd Quarter – PROJECT CARE  –  Jan-Feb-Mar 2024

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MD4 Service Coordinator, Lion Kathy McCracken is off to a good start in keeping all Lions engaged in service projects. Lion Kathy is diligently working in making sure each of our sub-districts is staying of top of their service reporting into MyLION.

If you have any questions, pertaining to Service Reporting or the MD4 Project Care service program, please reach out to your District GST (Global Service Team) Coordinator.

Below are some service resource tools for your use:

OPERATION GRATITUDE

Writing a letter is a simple and meaningful way for volunteers nationwide to say “Thank You” to all who serve. Your kind words could bring lasting joy to a Care Package recipient. 

Operation Gratitude includes handwritten letters in every Care Package sent to our Deployed Troops, Recruit Graduates, Veterans, Wounded Heroes, and First Responders. In these unprecedented times, our heroes need our unwavering support. Taking the time to put pen to paper and share your heartfelt thoughts can be what motivates them to keep moving forward in their duties to our nation. 

Interested in participating in letter writing?

The following steps will help you create a meaningful and impactful activity for yourself, your family, group or company:

  • Review Guide: Download the letter-writing guide from this page to review the program guidelines.  Also available are printable coloring sheets for children and instructions for shipping the completed letters to Operation Gratitude HQ.
  • Write Letters: Get creative! Write letters, draw pictures, make cards and send your gratitude and support to our Military, Veteran & First Responder heroes.
  • Donation Form: Complete the online donation form here. This form lets us know when you are ready send us your letters. It also provides you with detailed instructions and labels for shipping. (Postage not included)
  • Ship Letters: Follow the shipping guidelines received upon completion of the donation form to ship your completed items to Operation Gratitude HQ.

“Tonight when I got back to my base, all kinds of tired and worn out, I get a package from Operation Gratitude. Inside had many things, but one of the best things is what is in my hand. A thank you letter from a child. NOTHING can beat that to me. Thank you for all the support you give us. This is not my first deployment, nor is it my first package from you, but each and every time I am touched, and rejuvenated.”  -H.S.   US Army

FAQs

How long should my letter be?

Do not feel pressured to write a long letter, any words you write can mean the world to the person who receives your letter. A short note of gratitude or a longer letter with insights into your life or your connection to service will both have incredible impact. 

Can I type my letter?

Of course! You are welcome to not only type your letters, but you can send in multiple copies if you’d like. We do suggest that you sign your letters by hand, if possible, to give it a more personal touch. 

Can children write letters or draw a picture?

Yes! In fact, we have been told countless times that letters from children are some of the most appreciated. If your child would like to draw, please ensure that their name is on the drawing with a simple message such as “Thank You for your service”.  

Please refrain from including contact or distinguishing information for anyone under the age of 18. This includes last name, home or email address, phone numbers, school information, social media usernames and phone numbers. Instead, use only their first name and state. 

What type of paper should I use?

You are welcome to use thank you cards, branded stationery, lined paper, or plain white printing paper for your letters. You can write with colored pencils, markers, or pens, but do not use any type of glitter. It is truly not about the stationary or cards, but rather all about the messages that are written that mean so much.

What should I write about?

We ask that you begin the letter with “Dear Service Member” for Deployed Troops and New Recruit Graduates. For our other programs, please use “Dear First Responder”, “Dear Veteran”, “Dear Wounded Hero”, and “Dear Caregiver”.  We leave the content of the letter to you, but please keep your messages positive. Suggested topics include expressing gratitude for their service, sharing hopeful messages, well wishes, and positive thoughts. Share about yourself, family, hobbies, work, school, pets, travel, interests, etc.  

Is there anything I should avoid writing about?

We ask that you avoid any type of religion or politics. You are welcome to say, “God Bless You” or “you are in my prayers”, but please do not write any scripture or bible verses.  Please abstain from writing about violence, killing, illness, injury, death, and dying, etc.  

Do you have a “pen pal” program?

No, we do not have a pen pal program, nor can we guarantee that you’ll hear back from any letter you write.  

Should I include my name and email address? What about my home address?

We suggest that you only use your first name and email address, but you are welcome to include your home address as long as you are over 18. 

Should I put my letters in an envelope and send a stamp?

We ask that you do NOT put your letters in individual envelopes. Every letter is screened prior to being included on our care packages, and envelopes just get in the way. We have to remove each envelope, and in most cases, the envelope is discarded, and we hate to waste anything. Please do not include stamps. Letters being mailed from out of the country require postage from the country the letter is mailed from, not US postage stamps. 

How should I mail my letters?

Please send your letters flat and use paper clips to put them in categories. You are welcome to combine your letters with any other items you donate. 

Can I receive community service for my letters?

No, we do not offer community service for letter writing. 

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA: PLACE WREATHS

Visit this website and volunteer to place wreaths. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/GetInvolved/PlaceWreaths

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to “Remember, Honor, and Teach” is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,000+ locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. Anyone who wants to offer a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy can volunteer at a wreath laying ceremony to assist in saying Veteran’s names aloud and thanking them for their service.

When you volunteer at a cemetery near you on National Wreaths Across America Day, you’ll play a valuable role by placing live, balsam Veterans’ wreaths on the headstones of our fallen heroes. For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors Veterans, active-duty military, and their families. When each wreath is placed, the service-member’s name is said out loud, ensuring their memory lives on.

Every year since 2008, Congress proclaims a Saturday in December as National Wreaths Across America Day. This year’s Wreaths Across America Day will take place on December 16, 2023. On that day, more than two million Veterans’ wreaths will be placed across local, national and military cemeteries as well as Veterans’ memorials and historic sites.

At each of those sites, a Wreaths Across America Location Coordinators works throughout the year with cemetery contact and local governments to organize and promote the ceremony, coordinate wreath delivery, and manage the placement of wreaths. In addition to location coordinators, most Wreaths Across America locations rely on the assistance of community members, local businesses and civic groups and organizations to place wreaths on the day of the event. Typically, more than a third of our volunteers across the country are children, and we welcome all participants to play a part!

What to Expect as a Volunteer on National Wreaths Across America Day

As a volunteer, you will join tens of thousands across the nation in placing wreaths on the markers of our fallen heroes. As you place each wreath, you will “say their name” to ensure that the legacy of duty, service, and sacrifice of each veteran is never forgotten. We invite families and volunteers of all ages to come and share in this patriotic experience!

You can play an important as part in the mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Join us by volunteering at a location near you.

How much is a wreath for Wreaths Across America?

There is no cost to attend an event on National Wreaths Across America Day, all are welcome to join. However, Wreaths Across America receives no government funding. National Wreaths Across America Day and other events are made possible by thousands of volunteers who organize local ceremonies, raise funds to sponsor wreaths and participate in the events. Individual wreath sponsors and corporate donors, pay for the majority of the cost for the program and volunteer truck drivers and trucking companies make it possible for WAA to transport wreaths all over the country. Each Veterans’ Wreath placed on National Wreaths Across America Day is sponsored for $17 per wreath. Learn more about our financials here.

SPONSOR A WREATH – Spread the word

Click HERE to invite your friends and family to sponsor a wreath, volunteer at a location, and stay up-to-date on the mission.

CATPCT – Tracy Public Cemetery

501 E Schulte Rd, Tracy, CA 95376
Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CASTRL – Stockton Rural Cemetery

2350 Cemetery Ln, Stockton, CA 95204
Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CAJSVC – Sunset View Cemetery

10200 Hwy 88, Jackson, CA 95642
NOT Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CASTRL – Stockton Rural Cemetery

2350 Cemetery Ln, Stockton, CA 95204
Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CAOCCO – Oakdale Citizens Cemetery

701 E J Street, Oakdale, CA 95361
NOT Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CAMMCM – Mariposa Masonic Cemetery

4998 County Park RD, Mariposa, CA 95338
NOT Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CASCJM – St. Joseph’s Cemetery

5088 Bullion St, Mariposa, CA 95338
NOT Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CASJNG – San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery

32053 W McCabe Rd, Gustine, CA 95322
Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CAWPCC – West Point Community Cemetery

290 Cemetery Ln, West Point, CA 95255
Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony

CASTRL – Stockton Rural Cemetery

2350 Cemetery Ln, Stockton, CA 95204
Accepting Grave Specific  –  Full Ceremony