Michigan Veteran Homes’ ‘Make a Veteran Smile Campaign’ Brings Joy to Veteran Members Around the Holidays

LANSING, Mich. - For individuals and organizations looking to make a difference in the lives of veterans this holiday season, consider Michigan Veteran Homes' (MVH) 'Make a Veteran Smile Campaign.' The effort encourages Michiganders to support veteran members of MVH's three nursing homes for veterans by recording a video message of gratitude for veteran members of the Homes, penning a personalized letter to a veteran member or donating to the MVH Charitable Support Fund that funds quality of life programming and initiatives.

"Michiganders who fought and sacrificed for our freedom deserve our gratitude and support during the holidays," said Governor Whitmer. "For the more than 300 veterans living at state veterans homes in Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids, and Marquette, I encourage you to share a video message of gratitude or send a letter filled with holiday wishes or make a donation to improve their quality of life with programming and activities. All of these small acts of kindness make a real difference in their lives and lets them know they are not forgotten. Let's continue working together to make sure all our veterans and their families feel our support around the holidays."

While always appreciative of written holiday cards, MVH is encouraging those interested in sending their gratitude to send video messages so that they can be shared with members during group activities. Here are a few helpful guidelines for holiday messages:

• Record a video message and share it on social media by tagging Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township, Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids or Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti and use the hashtag #MakeaVeteranSmile.
• If writing a letter, include a personal message.
• Large format cards or banners that can be displayed or hung are acceptable.
• Standard paper food tray liners with coloring or personal messages are a great alternative to letters as they are utilized during every meal service.
• Use large writing and dark ink.

"When a veteran reaches the stage of needing nursing home care, that can cast a cloud over their mood and general outlook - especially during the holiday season," said Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator for MVH. "Sending a video message of gratitude or supporting life enrichment opportunities through a monetary donation is a wonderful way to give back to those who've given so much, and truly 'make a veteran smile.'"

Letters, banners and tray liners can be addressed to ATTN: Make a Veteran Smile and hand-delivered or
mailed to:

• Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township at 47901 Sugarbush Rd., Chesterfield Township, MI 48047.
• Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids at 2950 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
• Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti at 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855.

Record a video message and tag the Home you want to share a message with:

• On Meta, tag Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township, Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids or Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti and use the hashtag #MakeaVeteranSmile.
• On Instagram, tag Michigan Veteran Homes (@MiVeteranHomes) and use the hashtag #MakeaVeteranSmile.

Monetary donations to MVH's Charitable Support Fund can be made by visiting Support MVH. For more information or questions about supporting MVH with a donation to the Charitable Support Fund, please contact Ryan Engle, director of development and strategic engagement for MVH at [email protected].

Department of Military & Veterans Affairs MI Newswire MVH Press Release