Operation Rising Spirits

Operation Rising Spirits brought our community together in the best way this season. Students, families, businesses, and neighbors all joined in to spread kindness to veterans in long term care facilities through the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Students at Forest Park District 91, Field-Stevenson Elementary and Forest Park Middle School wrote 156 heartfelt cards filled with gratitude and warm holiday wishes. Their creativity and enthusiasm set the tone for the entire project.

On December 4, Jimmy’s Place was packed wall to wall with neighbors writing cards together. In just one evening, the community produced 576 messages of appreciation, filling the room with energy and generosity.

Scouts from Forest Scout Troop 107 wrote 85 cards and the Daisy Girl Scouts Troop 47995 wrote 32 cards.

Local dental teams also stepped up. The staff at Little Teeth Big Smiles and Elmhurst Dentistry for Kids contributed their own thoughtful messages, adding 18 even more to our growing collection.

We wrapped up Operation Rising Spirits with a daytime gathering at the Forest Park Public Library, where volunteers added another 304 cards to our final total.

That brings us to a grand total of 1,171 cards created for veterans this year.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Every card carries a piece of our community’s gratitude and helps bring comfort to veterans who deserve to feel remembered and honored this holiday season.

Forest Park Public Library

304 cards written at the Forest Park Public Library

Jimmy’s Place

576 cards‍ ‍written at Jimmy’s Place