On October 22, 2022, Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) students of the Sri Sathya Sai Center of Louisville, KY, carried out a service project to show their appreciation to veterans who had served in the US armed forces.  They gathered together and made about 35 cards to thank veterans for their service during wartime and peacetime that ensures all people can live safely. Also present were five adults who helped coordinate the activity. The students produced cards with creative designs using materials such as paint, glitter, glitter glue, markers and colored pencils. Every card had a special message of thanks for the veterans. Some students made several cards.

The cards were delivered to Robley Rex Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Louisville, KY to be passed on to the veterans. The VA Medical Center sent the SSE students a note of appreciation:

“It is through the efforts of community partners like you that we can continue the quality care and service that we seek to provide to our deserving veterans. We look forward to working with you in the future.”

The students enjoyed spending time together and one of them reflected on their experience. “This was an amazing project and allowed everyone to be creative. It was enjoyable to discuss ideas and design the cards. It was so gratifying to work together for a great cause. All helped each other and discussed what we should write and what we probably should not write. Everyone put a lot of thought into making the cards. The service that veterans provide is an example of their unconditional love and dedication to our country.”

The activity had proven to be a great outreach to other children in the community. In a similar project in February 2020, the SSE students invited their friends to participate in the service activity. Since then, the group has continued to get together to carry out service projects for the community several times a year. Some of these friends are now part of the SSE program. The SSE students are excited to find new ways to serve their community.