The Georgia War Veterans Home (GWVH) honored Martin Luther King Jr. Day by partnering with Georgia College & State University (GCSU) and The Bridge United Methodist Church to complete a service project.
“I chose a community service project for the veterans to participate in because it is an innate desire for the veterans to serve. Many of the veterans and staff, including myself and the activities team, cite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an inspiration for all generations to come together and be a part of something greater than themselves and work to make it better for future generations,” said Michelle Flood, activities director at the Georgia War Veterans Home. “I thought it would be fitting for these veterans to collaborate with young college students to serve and give back to activeduty military members that are now in their shoes as they once were.”
GWVH became involved with GCSU and The Bridge United Methodist Church through longtime lead volunteer and GWVH donor Jane Barnard. According to Flood, they became connected to the organizations through multiple projects over the years.
“For this project, Ms. Barnard connected us with her church and these students from the GCSU Gives Center. This was also a partnership with Operation: Military Matters, a nonprofit organization where we will be sending cards and letters so, they can be delivered to active-duty military members,” said Flood.
Amongst the day’s activities in the Wood dining room at the home, veterans, church volunteers, and students developed Valentine’s cards for family members and friends, created cards and letters to be sent through Operation: Military Matters, and colored sheets of Valentines and Patriotic images to pair with the cards.
“Georgia War Veterans Home donor Barbara Gearhart has been creating homemade cards for the veterans for years,” said Flood. “We wanted to also honor Ms. Gearhart's contributions by utilizing some of the cards that she created.”
GCSU students and The Bridge members assisted veterans with writing and assembling the cards. According to Flood, many of the veterans who participated in the event were unable to physically write. However, the importance and impact of the project was not impacted by this inability.
“As an activities director, it is important to host community projects like this because we want to remind the veterans that they are an important part of the community. We do not want them to feel isolated simply because they are in a nursing home,” said Flood. “This is their chance to be involved, interact with others, and continue to serve.”
Letters and cards are being prepared to be mailed off to their respective destinations. Flood hopes each handmade creation will touch the heart of the receiver.