Letters to troops are needed at the Tyler Public Library Photo Courtesy of Melissa McTee

Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College Ave. in Tyler, has launched Operation Gratitude, a program that encourages residents to write letters of appreciation to members of the military.

Lori Fregoso, access services librarian, said the letters written to active duty soldiers, deployed troops, new recruits, veterans and wounded warriors will be placed inside of care packages that will be sent out at the end of the program to show support for our military.

“We decided to do it now, because the month of November is patriotism month,” Mrs. Fregoso said. “We wanted a way to show our troops that we care about them.”

Letters can be written on American flag bordered stationary provided by the Tyler Public Library and can be found at the front desk of the library. Recommended salutations are “Dear Hero” or “Dear Brave One.” Colorful drawings also are welcome. Fregoso said residents can return their letters to the library after they are written, and the library will send them to Operation Gratitude.

“They are also asking for hand knit scarves, which we are enlisting or crochet group to do, also our coloring group is sending pictures with notes written on the back,” Mrs. Fregoso said. “Our Pinterest craft for later this month is going to be how to make paracord bracelets, which they have asked for, to send in the care packages.”

For more information, visit www.OperationGratitude.com or visit the Tyler Public Library.

TWITTER: @TMTMelissa