Fairfield University to send 1,000 appreciation cards to troops and veterans | Press Releases

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." - Voltaire

Fairfield University students, faculty and staff will show their support for U.S. troops and veterans by filling out at least 1,000 appreciation cards for delivery to soldiers around the world. The effort is part of a nationwide campaign launched by Lutheran High School in Orange, Calif.

Throughout the week of February 21, President's Day, Fairfield University students, faculty and staff will gather to sign appreciation postcards and offer encouraging words and quotes. The students have set a target of 1,000 cards, purchased by the Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) and designed by juniors Ada Sim and Jenna Siraco, co-chairs of the Judiciary/Finance Committee of the Student Association.

FUSA will also post a drop-off box from Tuesday, February 22, through Friday, February 25, at the Information Desk in the Barone Campus Center on the University's campus for members of the public who would like to drop by and sign a card or leave one of their own. The cards cannot have glitter or anything (such as food or candy) attached to them. Messages must be positive and should not refer to anything that may cause grief or uneasiness to the military reader. The cards must be dropped off by 2 p.m. on Friday.

Though called "A Million Thanks," the target set by Lutheran High School has been raised to 1.4 million appreciation cards, a symbolic goal representing the number of troops in the Armed Services. Lutheran's aim is "to show our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, our appreciation for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country through our letters, emails, cards, prayers, and thoughts."

Lutheran is collecting cards from across the country, which they screen and then distribute to military bases and to veterans.

Sim was eager to get involved in the effort after seeing a news report about it and learning that soldiers often do not get many such missives this time of year.

"After seeing the news report, we wanted to express to the soldiers that we appreciate everything that they have done for our nation," Sim said. Sim and Siraco will also post encouraging quotes - such as Voltaire's thoughts on appreciation - so that those signing the cards can borrow uplifting words of wisdom if they would like.

Members of the public cannot attend the signings, however they can drop off cards during President's Week at the Information Desk. For more information, contact Sim or Siraco at (203) 254-4000, ext. 7381. Media representatives interested in covering the effort can contact Dana Ambrosini, assistant director of media relations, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2726, for more information.