Just in time for Christmas, the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch delivered 582 cards to the Dallas VA Medical Center.  This hospital is a large 400 bed facility in Southeast Dallas.   In the past, club members have signed cards for wounded veterans, but this year we wanted to involve a whole new generation in this project.  As part of our club’s ongoing outreach to veterans, we purchased Christmas cards that were delivered in early December for multiple children in Carrollton to decorate for these patients. 250 cards were completed by the After-the Bell program at McCoy Elementary School in Carrollton (part of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD), 250 were completed by the After-the Bell program at Country Place Elementary School in Carrollton (part of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD) and 81 cards were made during a Donuts with Santa party that was hosted by  the Country Place Mom’s Club (which is a neighborhood group in Carrollton). 

 
 
Dallas VA Medical CenterThe staff at the VA will place one card on each patient’s meal tray during the holiday season.  We have been told that after reading the cards, the patients enjoy displaying them in their rooms to add a festive touch.  There is nothing like a Santa, an angel and an American flag drawn by an elementary school student to make you smile. (Please see the photo album for some samples of their great work.)
 
Our club has enjoyed this holiday project and this new twist in 2010.  It was great way for our club to involve school-age children with veterans.  It provided an opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss the service and sacrifice of our military and a way for these children and our club members to feel they could show their support and appreciation of these men and women who have given so much for our country.