30 Days of Giving, Day 18: Send the Troops a Thank You

This is part of a 30-day series of ways Patch community members can give back this holiday season. We hope you'll take part in this  and take the spirit beyond the holidays, because there truly is need all year long.

Say 'thank you' to the troops

In one way or another, men and women who serve the United States have impacted your lives. Now is a great time to let the troops fighting for our country know just how thankful you are. Though there are many ways to donate money or items to serve these men and women, a simple 'thank you' is a great way to give back as well.

The United Service Organizations, Inc. has developed a 'Thanks From Everywhere' initiative that allows people across the country to go online and send a 'thank you' message to the troops. Simply visit the organization's website at uso.org, scroll to the bottom right of the page and click on 'Thanks From Everywhere.' It will then direct you to a page with a map of the US. Enter your name, email, zip code and message, then click 'send your thanks.' Then, voila! You've sent your personalized thank you message for the troops to read.

If you're interested to read what other people have sent, type in a zip code underneath the map of the US to see what other people have said.

Here are a few local 'thank you' messages:

"To all of my brothers and sisters - be safe, we all support you." — Milton Mutchnick of West Bloomfield

"Keep up your great work!!! Thank You!!!" — Regina Turner of West Bloomfield

"Your devotion to our country is most precious. Thank you so very much for everything & have a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving." — Jill Farber-Bramson of West Bloomfield

Do you have an idea for the 30 Days of Giving? Send your idea to Editor Timothy Rath at Tim.Rath@Patch.com.

Previous days

• Days 1-10