With the help and efforts of peers, SPHS teens were able to collect handwritten letters, amazon wish list items, and fundraise money while partnering with Operation Gratitude to brighten the day of those who serve.
Severna Park, MD - Students Carson Sloat and Emma Moore, partnered with Operation Gratitude and their school’s Leadership Institute to “Forge strong bonds between Americans and their Military and First Responder heroes”.
The two were shocked when they found out that 1,347,106 Americans are actively serving in the US military and they wanted to find a way to express Severna Park’s collective appreciation. That is exactly what founder Carolyn Balshek thought when she started Operation Gratitude in 2003. Carolyn learned that there are veterans out there that do not believe they have anyone back home that cares about them as an individual, and she decided to take it upon herself to change that. Through the generosity and hands-on efforts of the American people, Operation Gratitude has been able to send 2,601,485 Care Packages to all who bravely serve our country, since 2003. Partnering with them was an honor to the teens, as their goal, stated above, has stayed the same over the past 17 years. The organization sends over 300,000 care packages annually to our American heroes, both in the states and overseas, to let them know they have people back home that care about them and the sacrifices they are making.
These care packages are exactly what the teens set out to help with. By commissioning four younger students in the leadership institute, they were able to collect handwritten cards, essential items for service men and women, and cash donations, all to be sent out or used by Operation Gratitude.
The Leadership Institute is offered at Severna Park High School, allowing select students to make an impact on the world while learning how to be great leaders. Throughout the first couple years, underclassmen joined senior members to assist in accomplishing their goals with their own partnered organization. By the time Carson and Emma’s senior year rolled around, they were more than prepared to personalize their project and take on the challenge. None of this would have been possible without the program and they will continue to use these new skills in the future.
For more information on this topic, please contact Carson Sloat (410)-903-8191 & Emma Moore (410)-409-0865 or email at carsonsloat@gmail.com & evm311@gmail.com