Support Our Troops: How to Write Letters to Soldiers
Practice gratitude as well as kindness.
Send some cheer to men and women who are far from home.
8-26-25: Update on Writing Letters to Soldiers
Operation Gratitude, one of the main organizations we highlight on this page, is in the process of expanding and changing the way they operate. As a result, they are no longer accepting individual letters at this time.
In addition, please note that Soldier’s Angels continues to accept letters. Volunteers must register to participate, which includes identity verification (SSN and birthdate) or a donation of any amount.
We are actively researching additional options to help you write these valuable letters and will update this page as we learn more. Thanks for your patience!
Possible recipients
Share your cards with soldiers abroad who must be away from their families for extended periods of time. Reach out to a soldier you know. Or participate in the work of an organization like Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit that makes it easy to send your letters to the right spot.
What you’ll need
One envelope for all your cards
Optional: Decorating materials – markers, stickers, scissors, glue, etc.
Please respect their request for no glitter or confetti.
Instructions
Write a positive message on a card or piece of paper.
Include your address if you’d like a response.
Decorate as you wish.
Drop-off your creations at a designated location or mail them. See note at the top of this page regarding changes to the Operation Gratitude process and possible alternative at Soldier’s Angels.
Reflections
What would it feel like to be away from your family and friends for months at a time?
How would it feel to receive a happy letter from a nice and caring stranger?
What would you do to stay positive and connected if you lived far away from your family?
What are other ways you can show support to those who are serving our country?
Resources
A Paper Hug by Stephanie Skolmoski
A young boy decides that a paper hug is the ideal gift to give his father who is being deployed.Night Catch by Brenda Ehrmantraut
A soldier, who is serving halfway across the world, plays “night catch” with his son, using the North Star.
Take it further
Set up a card-making/letter-writing station in your home. Whenever your kids are looking for something to do, the supplies will be ready to go.
Check out these creative ways to reach out to soldiers:
Create welcome home kit for soldiers returning from deployment.
Collect books to send to soldiers.
Sign up to volunteer in numerous ways with Soldiers' Angels.
Still looking?
Browse our other projects that Provide Comfort.
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The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.