Thank you notes mail better than coffee and donuts
Written by Jessyca Duerr, the Donor Relations Director at The Salvation Army Northern Division
You may be surprised to hear this, but it turns out donuts and hot coffee don’t mail well. It was this very obstacle we faced as we wondered how to emulate the tradition of care for U.S. soldiers that Salvation Army Donut Lassies started during World War I. We determined the next best thing would be to mail the soldiers handwritten letters of support.
Several weeks ago, my team sent special stationery to Salvation Army supporters and invited them to write a letter or a prayer to a U.S. soldier. We’re including the letters in Salvation Army care packages sent to the men and women serving in Iraq and all over the world.
Heartfelt messages from supporters
“Just wanted to let you know that my wife and I pray daily for your family and your safe return. Please know we support you, are grateful to you, and hope you know of God’s love for you.”
“Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for the continued freedoms we enjoy today. Thank you and your families for all the sacrifices you have made. We think of you often and with a lot of care and love. Stay safe!”
A blast from the past
In addition to these touching gestures of support, on Friday, June 7, a group of women from The Salvation Army will be visiting veterans’ and assisted living homes to honor our country’s heroes and serve – you guessed it – free donuts and coffee. The women will be dressed as Donut Lassies, whose courageous service during WWI prompted a veteran to write us this letter less than two weeks ago:
“My Father, a WWI veteran, told me this story when I was about 10 years old. He said that the gals from The Salvation Army came within shelling distance of the German cannons and served them hot coffee and donuts at no charge. … I never forgot that story, and when I became old enough, I always supported The Salvation Army. A simple story but it always stuck in my memory. … I’m a former Marine from The Korean era, almost 61 years ago. God bless.”
We were with the troops in the trenches of WWI. We are with the troops today, in spirit and in prayer. We would love to share your thoughts with the men and women currently serving in the U.S. military. To learn more, call Jessyca in Donor Relations at 651-746-3516.
Read more stories, blog posts and testimonials on our News page.