Operation LTM
Holiday Card Project 2018

The Plan

Operation LTM (Love the Military) is a God-led ministry for all of our military members—and our coalition forces—with the focus to love on, minister to, and thank them for their service!  We are sending cards and care packages to our deployed troops for Christmas.  We invite you to send your support to our troops as well.

Deadline

Please mail all cards by October 10, 2018

Who Can Participate

Anyone can participate: individuals, veterans' groups, schools, religious groups, civic groups, bunco clubs, bridge clubs, bowling teams, Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, Campfire kids, knitting circles, playgroups...

Download this flier spread the word.

Where to Get Cards

This is a glitter-free zone!

1. You can make your own.  Cards should be no larger than a standard sheet of 8.5" x 11" paper folded in half.  (Anything larger will have to be folded, possibly damaging the artwork.
   
   Of course, smaller cards are preferred.  Home-made cards can be designed on your computer, drawn on construction paper with markers or crayons, or elaborate scrap-booked stuff.
   
   Our troops love cards handmade by children.
   
   We do ask that you do not use glitter.  It often falls off the cards, and can damage the things it's packed with.
2. You can use store-bought Christmas cards.  Dollar stores frequently sell Christmas cards.  
   
   If you use store-bought cards, please do not put the cards in the envelopes.  All cards must be reviewd.   Stack the cards and envelopes together and secure them with a rubber band.
3. You can download the card designs below.  Print out the card, write a message in the rectangle, and send it in.

What to Write

These cards will be going to troops from all brances of the military and veterans. We therefore suggest that you address your card to "Dear Hero."

Write whatever you want to write, within reason.  We ask that all messages be kept positive and encouraging for the troops, without the mention of violence or political statements.  The purpose of these cards is to brighten their environment, and to make them smile and feel appreciated.  The content of children's cards should be carefully monitored by a teacher or parent, since some children do not understand the gravity of war and will unknowingly include images and messages of violence and death, not realizing how upsetting this can be to one who is in the middle of such things on a daily basis.  We encourage children's cards to adopt a positive patriotic theme.  Messages should not be suggestive. 

Messages may be as religious or secular as you please.  Some of our troops are devout Christians for whom Christmas is a profoundly religious experience.  Some of our troops think of the Christmas season as a time for family and friends.  Whatever your feelings are, express them.

Send the Cards

Send your cards to:

Operation LTM
Attn:
190 Shaffer Hill Road
Liberty, PA  16930

Cards for Downloading

There are nine different designs.  Seven of the designs are in both color and greyscale.  Two are only in greyscale.  

I recommend printing colored cards on white or cream paper and greyscale cards on colored paper.  

These cards are in Adobe Acrobat.  You will need a .pdf file reader like Acrobat Reader to read them.  If you do not have a .pdf file reader, click on the link to the right to download Acrobat Reader.

	Religious, Christmas Front: manger scene, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Inside: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
	Religious, Christmas Front: People walking toward a church, "A Happy Christmas" Inside: "Know that you are appreciated, and are with us in our hearts and prayers."
	Semi-Secular, Christmas Front: Santa and reindeer Inside: stack of boxes labeled for Afghanistan, Djibout, Ships at Sea, etc. MPSA stands for Military Postal Service Agnecy.
	Semi-Secular, Christmas Front: children building a snowman. Inside: "Wishing you all the joys of the holiday season." This card is only available in greyscale.
	Religious, Hanukkah Front: a hand reaches out to light a candle.  "Once again, a nation is set free." Inside: "Wishing you all the blessings of the festival of lights."
	Religious, Hanukkah Front: a menorah crowned by a Star of David, with "Shalom" beneath. Inside: "Wishing you all the blessings of the festival of lights." This card is only available in greyscale.
	Kwanzaa Front: kinara of candles labeled with the Seven Principles. Inside: "Here is hoping that Kwanzaa finds you in the best of health and happiness."
	Secular Front: a soldier hands a flag to a little girl.  "Freedom is the Greatest Gift of All." Inside: A cheering crowd and "Happy Holidays and Thank You from those of us back here on the home front!"
	Secular Front: frozen branch in front of waterfall.  two quotes.  "Every winter is a promise of springtime and new life," in the image and "May the beauty of the season fill your heart with joy.  Inside: "And may the new year bring you safely home."
	Secular Front: ice skating girl in a border of ribbons and party hats. Inside:  "May 2019 bring you health, wealth, happiness, and safely home."
	Secular Front: smiling snowman.  "Let winter put a little smile on your face." Inside: "Best wishes for a happy holiday and a wonderful new year!"
Younger children may prefer to color one of these patriotic holiday-themed pages. Print to standard 8.5" x 11" paper.

If you have card designs you would like to share, please .  Your graphics must be original or royalty free, or you must have written permission from the artist to include them.