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.

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.

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 write messages of thanks.

How to help the campaign

The annual campaign begins in September and concludes in the beginning of December.

During that time, postcards, letters and drawings containing messages of thanks and good wishes are collected from individuals, schools, businesses, organizations, and faith-based groups.

The City will then send all cards and letters submitted to servicemembers overseas through the military support group, Operation Gratitude.

What you can do:

• Pick up a postcard from City Hall (or a partner location) to write your message of thanks.
• Write your own letter, or design your own card.
• Download coloring pages created for young artists(PDF, 415KB).
• Visit the Get Involved page for how groups can participate too. 
• Here are some tips on preparing your note of appreciation.

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.