Independance Day is another opportunity for teaching our children (whether home educated or not) about the freedoms we have in our country and the sacrifices that have been made and continue to be made. Below are some interesting websites to possibly help children and adults alike reach out and be an encouragement to our soldiers. What a great opportunity to share Jesus, our prayers for these people, and allow our children to be creative in words, drawings, and even easy sewing projects to encourage a soldier.
"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1Thessalonians 5:11
Here are some opportunities:
SOLDIERS’ ANGELS – Adopt a soldier by committing to sending a card or letter a week and AT LEAST 1 or 2 care packages a month. This is important to help bring home a healthy hero, (care packages do not have to be expensive and you can put together your own), duration of adoption is usually 6 to 8 mo.
A Million Thanks Organization was founded by a teenager in 2004 aiming to collect 1 million letters to send to soldiers. That goal was met, and now the new goal is to receive 2.6 million letters – one for each U.S. servicemember (300,000 more letters are needed). The site gives rules and guidelines for letters and cards (which can be homemade)
Operation Gratitude gives numerous different ideas including financial donations, items needed, letter writing ideas (along with a guideline letter for do’s and don’ts), Fleece Neck Cooler Directions (perfect first sewing project idea that will make a thoughtful gift).
Sew a "Cool Tie" or a Polymer Cool Neck Band– a cotton neckerchief filled with 
water-absorbing polymer granules from a garden center. (These polymer crystals can provide up to 15 hours of relief from heat after a 15 minute soaking in cold water.) Another great first sewing project. (Only tan, brown or desert camouflage colored cotton should be used to make for soldiers.)
Remember 9/11 – On September 11, 2006, ~ 2,996 volunteer bloggers will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11. Each person will pay tribute to a single victim, in a positive way remembering the person and their life. To learn how you can help out by either posting a tribute on your blog or offering your services to promote, visit this website, 2,996 STORIES.
Writing Canvas 
This was an excellent post…thanks so much for sharing all those links!
We have a new buddy over in Iraq, actually he’s my son’s buddy,but I’ve been wanting to send him a care package and have no idea where to start. This is great!
Thanks so much…I’ll be bookmarking this one!
~~hugs~~