This year, Broad Run High School and Stone Bridge High School, are partnering to raise awareness and funds for The Fisher House Foundation. Our biggest fundraising event was the annual Battle of the Burn Football Game, where both schools sold Spirit Links and T-Shirts to raise money for The Fisher House Foundation. Thank you to all of you who participated! Our next awareness event is a Letter Writing Campaign that will take place November 10 & 11, at both schools. We want to send Letters of Gratitude & Appreciation to Fisher Houses all over the United States of America! We want to show our appreciation to Our American Heroes AND their families! Our letters will be going to Service Members, Veterans, and the Families of the Service Members & Veterans who are staying at Fisher Houses. On the following slides, you will find more information about The Fisher House and about our Letter Writing Campaign! Thank you for your support in this campaign and for helping us make a difference for Our American Heroes & their Families! Letters are due by November 17 to Broad Run Marketing Department or Stone Bridge Marketing Department. Remember, do NOT put letters in envelopes. We must screen all of them before sending them out.

Do’s & Don’ts When Writing A Letter FAQ Start with Dear Hero, Dear Patriot, Dear Brave One, Dear Service Member & Family, Dear Warrior, Dear Veteran Don’ts: Start with: Dear Soldier, Dear Marine, Dear Sailor These terms refer to the membership in specific military branches, and we cannot guarantee your letters will be placed in packages going to specific services FAQ What should my letter say, and how long should it be? Two paragraphs or more is the preferred amount. One ore more paragraphs that express thanks for their service, dedication, sacrifice, hard work, and/or time away from home. One or more paragraphs about yourself, your work, interesting stories, sports, music, movies, etc. For Fisher House Letters, you can also address your letters like this: “Dear Fisher House” “Dear Service Members & Families” “Dear Veterans & Families” Letters will be mailed to Service Members, Veterans, & Families staying at Fisher Houses across the United States!

Should I put letters or cards Can I write letters specifically in a separate envelope? We ask that you do NOT use individual envelopes for cards or letters. Because every letter or card that comes to us must be screened prior to being placed in our care packages, placing your letters in envelopes will only slow the process. Can I write letters specifically intended for Veterans? Yes! Please address your letters with “Dear Veteran” and refer to their past service.

Should I fold my letters? What size paper should I Please send your letters to us unfolded to save time for our letter screeners. After screening, we have a very specific way to fold letters to ensure the best fit and placement into the care packages. What size paper should I use to write my letter? We accept letters on any size paper or note card up to, but not larger than 8 ½ x 11. Please refrain from sending oversized letters. Do my letters need to be handwritten? Typing your letters is fine; however, we do prefer that you hand sign each letter. If you don’t want to include your name, you can sign the letter, “From a Broad Run / Stone Bridge Student in Ashburn, VA”

Can I use colorful construction Can or should I write about my family members who served in the military? Yes, as long as it is a positive story, and not about sad events. We ask that your letters be uplifting and serve to put a smile on the recipient’s face! Can I use colorful construction paper for my children to write letters? Yes. As long as you stay within the paper size limit of 8 ½ x 11. Can I use glitter or foam stickers on my letters or cards? No! This is very important. Glitter will contaminate the entire care package! Foam stickers are too bulky for our care packages. Plain stickers are great and we encourage their use.

Here is a Sample Template you can use for your letters. You can use a template or make your own. You can type a letter too! Please remember, You can address your letters like this: “Dear Fisher House” “Dear Service Members & Families” “Dear Veterans & Families” Letters will be mailed to Service Members, Veterans, & Families staying at Fisher Houses across the United States!