Saturday, November 5, 2011

HOLIDAY MAIL FOR HEROES 2011


This evening The Inmates and I got out the art supplies and cranked up some Christmas music by The Brian Setzer Orchestra and The Jackson Five.  We're taking part in the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program.  The idea is to make holiday cards for service members, veterans, and families, which will be collected by the Red Cross and distributed during the month of December. 



I showed The Inmates the website and the slideshow of card examples.  Since The Professor in particular tends to be a perfectionist and hard on himself, I tried to make it clear that there was no wrong way to do the cards.  Foghorn perked up at this and I quickly added, "But you can't write anything obnoxious."  "You mean I can't write cuss words in there?"  NO!  She thought a second and then asked, "Can I put exclamation points and question marks and stuff so they know it's a cuss word, but I didn't really write it?"  UGH!  I then had to hover around her as she made her cards, seriously afraid a four letter word might end up in the Christmas greeting or she might draw a snowman with a penis.  Amazingly she did none of the above and both Inmates made their cards with care.  The Professor kept saying he hoped these cards would make the people who can't be home feel better.  I hope so too.

The Professor's cards were traditional.

And for once his handwriting was almost legible.


Foghorn scratched out a couple errors, but
decided to make the recipient aware by circling the word
"mistake" next to them.  If the person has kids, he'll probably find it amusing.


Foghorn added her own touches, like this circle on the back
with the note "You can make a face out of that shape."
Just in case the person didn't get the hint about the circle,
she left instructions inside.  Not sure about the part where
she says "you can cut out the circle and talk to it and stuff."
A soldier might get sent for a psych evaluation for doing that.



If you're interested in taking part, more information can be found on the Red Cross website here.  Cards must be postmarked by December 9th to allow adequate time for distribution.  They do not need to be in individual envelopes and I'll be putting all of ours into one big manilla envelope for mailing.



YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

FRENULECTOMY - THE FINAL CHAPTER

LOVELAND ART SHOW WINNER


6 comments:

Angelia Sims said...

Wow, that is so sweet! And the cards are all very precious! I adore her - you can make a face - HA. I know it will thrill them to no end. Very cute, and funny stuff!

Nancy Susanna Breen said...

I'd certainly perk up if I got a card like that (any of them by either kid). Foghorn certainly puts her personality on everything she does.

Corinne said...

What a great project to do with the kids. Those who receive their cards will be so touched .. guaranteed to bring smiles.

Anonymous said...

A great way to share with those who give so much. I loved your posting. I will be laughing the rest of the day!!!

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful cards - I know they will be appreciated.
Mom

Maggie@maggieandthenuts.com said...

Great, caring idea! I'm going to do it with my kids, too. Thanks for the idea.