SEND HOPE, LOVE, SOCKS AND SNACKS
Adopt an overseas service member this holiday season
The organization Desert Angels is requesting the public to put together Do-It-Yourself holiday boxes for service members deployed overseas.
Volunteers receive a box, military address and a shopping list. Participants shop, pack, tape and mail the boxes.
Desert Angel founder Louise Blain said, “We have troops serving and protecting in a far-away land; all they hear is bad news. How about you send them a box filled with hope, love, kindness and encouraging words? Add some socks, jerky, nuts, snacks, etc.”
If you would like to send a Miracle Box to deployed military service members, email Louise@thedesertangel.org or call 248-736- 6403. For more information, visit www.thedesertangel.org and www.facebook.com/DesertAngelUSA/posts.
• Make a Vet Smile: Spread some cheer by sending a holiday card to the members of two state veterans homes – Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855. Write “ATTN: Make A Vet Smile” on the envelope. For more information, visit www.michiganveterans.com.
• Free parks permit: Oakland County Parks and Recreation is offering free 2021 annual vehicle permits to Oakland County residents who are seniors (62 and older), active military, veterans and residents with permanent disabilities. Visit bit.ly/freeocparkspermit to learn more.
• Holiday stroll in Lake Orion: The Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll is now through Dec. 20, outdoors, at 2325 Joslyn Ct. in Lake Orion. Tickets are $10 each. Children younger than 2 and active military and veterans get in free. Tickets must be purchased in advance as there are limited capacity sessions with timed tickets. Masks required. For more information, visit www.CanterburyHolidayStroll.com.
MediaNews Group is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.