This time of year can be hard for soldiers deployed because they are so far away from their families and friends. One way you can spread the joy of the holiday season overseas is by writing letters to them. If you know of any soldiers abroad you are encouraged to send letters directly to them. But if you don’t know of anyone serving overseas and you don’t have any connections (like friends, and/or friends whose parents may know of anyone who is abroad) to find people overseas there are organizations that you can send your letters to. Here’s a small list of the many organizations out there:

A Million Thanks (amillionthanks.org):

17853 Santiago Blvd.

#106-355

Villa Park, CA 92861

Operation Gratitude (operationgratitude.org):

17330 Victory Blvd.

Van Nuys, CA 91406

Here are some helpful hints about writing letters:

• Use generic greeting — unless the letter is going directly to someone you know of

• Wish them happy holidays

• Express gratitude

• Be creative when you write your letters

• Don’t share to personal information

• If you would like to receive a letter back, it is encouraged to include your address into the actual letter

You can also write letters to veterans who are retired or new recruits. Just remember that by writing these letters it makes the soldiers feel more at home if they are near or far.