Help Lakewood 'Thank a Servicemember'
Since the launch of the City of Lakewood's 'Thank a Servicemember' campaign in 2014, over 40,000 cards, letters and even hand-drawn pictures for U.S. military servicemembers stationed overseas have been collected from Lakewood residents, businesses and community groups.
This is the tenth year that the City of Lakewood has organized the effort as a show of appreciation for U.S. servicemembers. Each year, the city designs a special postcard for the effort, and people are welcome to use or create their own cards, letters and drawings.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of this campaign, the City is hosting a Thank a Servicemember Postcard Contest where five designs will be chosen as the artwork for the commemorative postcards available beginning Sept. 11. The deadline is Friday, Aug. 11. Don't forget to read the rules and instructions for submission.
The City will send all submissions to servicemembers overseas through the military support group, Operation Gratitude.
Lakewood was founded in the 1950s largely by young World War II and Korean War veterans and their families, and an appreciation for military service has been a continuing value in the city for decades since.
It's no surprise that Lakewood residents gave a big positive response to the city’s call to join the “Thank a Servicemember” postcard and letter-writing campaign.
The annual campaign begins in September and concludes in the beginning of December.
Here's how you can get involved:
Lakewood City Hall will have postcards and a collection box at the information table in the north lobby entrance to the building as will designated partner locations.
You may also email your greetings to CommunityRelations@lakewoodcity.org
See the list of locations and all of our caring partners in this important effort at the Partners and Drop-Off Locations tab.
Want to help? Visit the Get Involved tab for how to get started. Here are some tips on preparing your note of appreciation, too.