Wounded Warrior Card Project Under Way

MURFREESBORO — Operation Christmas Care — Christmas Cards for Wounded Warriors — is under way.

Operation Christmas Care has sent more than 46,000 Christmas cards since December 2006, said coordinator Lee Ann Newton, an MTSU employee who began the program six years ago.

“Unfortunately, the war continues and the need is as great as it ever has been,” Newton said. “For every casualty, there are approximately nine wounded and 40 percent of these soldiers never return to active duty due to the severity of their wounds.”

Because hospitals remain full of wounded warriors and they arrive on a daily basis, Newton asks that people “add a card or two to your list this year as the need for the ongoing support is critical to their recovery.”

“Often times, our soldiers’ individual support systems dwindle after the life-threatening danger has passed,” Newton added. “Yet, their painful daily regimen toward recovery continues. Emails are nice, and they’re appreciated, but a colorful card or letter with a heartfelt message of support and encouragement can beam from the walls of their hospital rooms as they are ready to go home.”

Operation Christmas Care remains a homegrown project funded through “Pennies for Postage,” Newton said. Mailings are set for Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 11.

If unable to locate a drop box and/or a Pennies for Postage jar, contact Newton at unclesamsheroes@gmail.com, Lee.Newton@mtsu.edu or call 615-804-5393 for more information or to place a drop box or postage jar at your work, church, school or other location, she said.

Newton, an executive aide in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, also can provide a list of items “always appreciated and needed” by wounded warriors for those who want to send more than a card.