Courtesy photo

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Los Alamos

This week, we’d like to introduce you to the Champions of Youth Ambitions motto and leave you with how one card and one dollar can make a difference. You might not even need to leave the house.

When I was a kid, volunteer groups used to set up tables at the mall and encourage everyone to stop and send a note of warm wishes to military personnel. The group would ship them to those that needed a boost during the holidays. I think that’s what ignited my passion for sending cards to veterans and troops with our non-profit.

We have tried getting interest in our mobile mailbox, but it just doesn’t get many takers. This year, we’re asking that you send us ONE holiday card and if possible, one dollar. If you want to send many cards or notes that’s great but we’re only asking for one dollar. We send mail care packages to a variety of veterans and active-duty young men in the service. Our local recipients even share those with many in their units.

Wouldn’t it be great if even 1/4th of those that live, work or school in the community sent us just one card, letter, note or doodle? Our soldiers, sailors and coast guard members share them with everyone in their orbit. You can address the card to Dear Friend, Hero, Soldier, or Veteran and we do the rest. Wouldn’t it be great if we received too many!?

After the holidays, C’YA will work with the small staff at, A Million Thanks (www.amillionthanks.org) to help update their drop-off location lists. Sadly, so many places disappeared that they had to remove their drop off locations from their websites. They were glad to know we still collected, during this time. If you have someone that needs mail, we just need their address and as you can tell, we have no ladies on our list.

To send your card, letter, or drawing to a current member of the military or a veteran, send it to C’YA PO Box 4741 White Rock, NM 87547. The one dollar is optional; the mail is more important. We’d love cards that celebrate all the holidays.