A truly beautiful article. This core value must be instilled in our children from the earliest age—because that is how real, lasting change begins. Alongside meaningful acts of kindness for those in our communities who deserve support, it is education that shapes the future of our world. I firmly believe that transformative change lives in what we teach the next generation and how we choose to model those values every day. Whether we are parents, teachers, mentors, leaders, relatives, or older siblings, we all carry the responsibility to lead by example. Yet the impact of reaching children early is profound and immeasurable—it plants the seeds for a more compassionate, thoughtful, and just world.
I love this idea, and what a kind gesture. When I feel powerless to the chaos, I quote Tolkien to myself. Gandalf said it so eloquently-
"Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."
The small things can grow too - They're online! The photos from Operation Grateful Giving 2025. We don't get to take photos in the hospital, so you see the stuffing and getting ready to deliver at the VA. Click this link to see them all...
500 bags delivered! Hundreds of veterans loved on the holiday!
A batch of bags went to the ER to be given to those coming in for care over the holidays.
Our only regret is the Covid outbreak that kept us from visiting the folks in the domiciliary.
Thanks to all of the 75 volunteers who made these blessings happen and a special thanks to Santa for joining us!!
Carissa's photos caught the love, the involvement of the adults and the kids, the energy of stuffing and delivery.
This was year 14 for us as Santa's helpers via Operation Grateful Giving. It is definitely tradition for us and for many of the volunteers who return year after year.
It's worth every minute of the months of preparation. I have to admit though, I'm glad to not be Shipping and Receiving central any more - I can actually see my living room floor again!! I'll start saving large Chewy delivery boxes throughout the year as they are best, holding about 40 bags.
There were some extra items that will find their way into the backpacks that the veterans will receive when they graduate from Healing Warrior Hearts.
So in every way, this was a very special way to spend the holy days of Christmas.
Richard, you are one of two people who made my day mentioning the great Laura Nyro's brilliant Save the Country song. (The other person is of course, Derek, whose idea is just as great.
A truly beautiful article. This core value must be instilled in our children from the earliest age—because that is how real, lasting change begins. Alongside meaningful acts of kindness for those in our communities who deserve support, it is education that shapes the future of our world. I firmly believe that transformative change lives in what we teach the next generation and how we choose to model those values every day. Whether we are parents, teachers, mentors, leaders, relatives, or older siblings, we all carry the responsibility to lead by example. Yet the impact of reaching children early is profound and immeasurable—it plants the seeds for a more compassionate, thoughtful, and just world.
I love this idea, and what a kind gesture. When I feel powerless to the chaos, I quote Tolkien to myself. Gandalf said it so eloquently-
"Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love."
Kindness and love are everything. You are going to save the world! What a heart-warming story.
Thank you so much!
The small things can grow too - They're online! The photos from Operation Grateful Giving 2025. We don't get to take photos in the hospital, so you see the stuffing and getting ready to deliver at the VA. Click this link to see them all...
https://www.healingwarriorhearts.org/operation-grateful-giving-gallery
500 bags delivered! Hundreds of veterans loved on the holiday!
A batch of bags went to the ER to be given to those coming in for care over the holidays.
Our only regret is the Covid outbreak that kept us from visiting the folks in the domiciliary.
Thanks to all of the 75 volunteers who made these blessings happen and a special thanks to Santa for joining us!!
Carissa's photos caught the love, the involvement of the adults and the kids, the energy of stuffing and delivery.
This was year 14 for us as Santa's helpers via Operation Grateful Giving. It is definitely tradition for us and for many of the volunteers who return year after year.
It's worth every minute of the months of preparation. I have to admit though, I'm glad to not be Shipping and Receiving central any more - I can actually see my living room floor again!! I'll start saving large Chewy delivery boxes throughout the year as they are best, holding about 40 bags.
There were some extra items that will find their way into the backpacks that the veterans will receive when they graduate from Healing Warrior Hearts.
So in every way, this was a very special way to spend the holy days of Christmas.
Obviously your favorite song is Save The Country, by Laura Nyro
Richard, you are one of two people who made my day mentioning the great Laura Nyro's brilliant Save the Country song. (The other person is of course, Derek, whose idea is just as great.
"Save the Country..... NOW!"