Michigan Veterans’ Homes encourage making a veteran smile during the holidays

Everyone deserves to smile around the holidays. This Thanksgiving the Michigan Veterans Homes asks Michigan’s residents to make an effort to make a veteran smile this holiday with a new campaign. The Make a Veteran Smile Campaign asks residents from around the state to create a personalized video or letter for the veterans’ homes in the state.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says writing a letter or creating a video message is a small gesture Michigan residents can make to show appreciation for veterans this time of the year and include them in the holiday spirit.

Handwritten holiday cards are always appreciated at the Chesterfield, Grand Rapids, and Marquette veterans homes. However, in 2024 MVH encourages people to send a video message using the hashtag #MakeaVeteranSmile. Holiday messages for veterans at Michigan veteran homes will continue through the season into December.

Those interested in writing a handwritten letter or want to create a video message can find information to learn more about how to make sure your message reaches the D.J. Jacobetti Veteran Home in Marquette or other locations downstate, below.

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. Please share holiday messages by December 23. 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. Letters from a group or team are encouraged as well.
• Large format cards or banners that can be displayed or hung are acceptable.
• Use large writing and dark ink and do not include envelopes.
• Standard paper food tray liners with coloring or personal messages are a great alternative to letters as they are utilized during every meal service.

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.