GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — For veterans living in nursing homes, the holidays can be a lonely time of year. You can help change that by participating in Michigan Veteran Homes' (MVH) holiday campaign called Make a Veteran Smile.
Michiganders are encouraged to send a video, letter, card, banner or other message expressing their gratitude toward veterans. These messages will be accepted at MVH's three nursing homes in Grand Rapids, Marquette and Chesterfield Township.
“Michiganders who fought and sacrificed for our freedom deserve our gratitude and support during the holidays,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “For the more than 300 veterans living at state veterans homes, I encourage you to share a video message of gratitude or send a letter filled with holiday wishes or make a donation to improve their quality of life with programming and activities. All of these small acts of kindness make a real difference in their lives and lets them know they are not forgotten. Let’s continue working together to make sure all our veterans and their families feel our support around the holidays.”
These guidelines from MVH can help you get started:
- Record a video message and share it on social media by tagging Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township, Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids or Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti and use the hashtag #MakeaVeteranSmile.
- If writing a letter, include a personal message. Letters from a group or team are encouraged as well.
- Large format cards or banners that can be displayed or hung are acceptable.
- Use large writing and dark ink and do not include envelopes.
- Standard paper food tray liners with coloring or personal messages are a great alternative to letters as they are utilized during every meal service.
MVH staff are especially encouraging video messages, since those can be shared during group activities. Once you've recorded your video message, you can tag the home you want to share it with:
- On Meta, tag Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township, Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids or Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti and use the hashtag #MakeaVeteranSmile.
- On Instagram, tag Michigan Veteran Homes (@MiVeteranHomes) and use the hashtag #MakeaVeteranSmile
Letters, banners and tray liners can be addressed to "ATTN: Make a Veteran Smile" and hand-delivered or mailed to:
- Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township at 47901 Sugarbush Rd., Chesterfield Township, MI 48047
- Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids at 2950 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
- Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti at 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855
You're asked to send or submit your message by Monday, Dec. 23.
Another part of the Make a Veteran Smile campaign is fundraising. Those who would rather contribute to the MVH's Charitable Support Fund, which helps improve quality of life for veterans, are encouraged to do so.
If you would like to make a donation, click here. If you have questions about donating contact Ryan Engle, director of development and strategic engagement for MVH, at engler3@michigan.gov.
