Military Gratitude

Classic Kynd Kit
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Gratitude Practice

Let's start by taking a moment to practice gratitude.
  • What freedoms are you grateful for?

  • What is something in your personal life that you believe is worth fighting for and why?

The Recipient

Your letter will be distributed to an active duty member of the military or new military recruit. Of all the items you include in the care package, the most cherished and meaningful are the personal letters of support. A deployed military personnel is someone who is actively serving in harm’s way. A new recruit is someone who has just finished their Boot Camp and has sworn to serve 4+ years.

The Reason

Your support and gratitude are important because it will positively impact the well-being of someone who is actively serving our country. This is a simple yet powerful way to actively support our active duty troops and new recruits.

Unpack the Box

  • Take everything out of the box.
  • Lay everything out so you can find what you need to build the kit.

Create Your Kynd Code

Please follow the instructions on this card to create your own Kynd Code. This Kynd Code will be included in the final kit.

*Make note of your Kynd Code. You will use this code at the end of the project. 

Find the Kynd Card

This is for you to spread extra kyndness to someone in your own life.  Consider writing a note to a friend, loved one, or colleague that you are grateful for.  Address the note and send it in the mail or give it to someone in person.

DO NOT include this in the finished kit.

Completed Kynd Kits go all over the world. As you customize your kit, please refrain from using any religion or political content.

Write a Note to the Recipient

1. Find the following items:
  • Blank card and matching envelope
  • Enclosed materials such as  markers, stickers, etc.
2. Write your letter and decorate the envelope.
  • Use the enclosed materials to write a letter and decorate the envelope.
    • Express your encouragement and include a hopeful message.
    • Decorate the front and back of the envelope.
      • Helpful Tips:
        • Do not include a date or year on the letter.
        • Avoid politics completely and religion in excess.
        • Use appropriate humor

* Can’t think of what to write, draw a picture!

3. Put the completed card in the envelope you decorated. 
  • Include the Kynd Code sheet with the card.
  • Please DO NOT lick the envelope shut

Decorate the Plastic Bag

1. Find the following items:
  • Write-on plastic bag
  • Permanent markers
2. Decorate the plastic bag.
  • The plastic bag is designed to be written on. 
  • Use the enclosed markers to write an encouraging message or draw a picture on the white panel on the plastic bag.

Worry Stone

* Worry stones are smooth, polished rocks used for relaxation or anxiety relief to help one feel grounded. The stone is meant to be kept in one’s pocket. The physical act of massaging a worry stone for several minutes is proven to provide therapeutic & psychological benefits that help soothe your nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety, and help clear your mind so you can focus and think clearly.
*We are currently transitioning from this activity. If you do not have these items, please skip this step.
1. Find the following items:
  • Worry Stone
  • Markers
  • Drawstring Bag
2. Decorate the drawstring bag
  • On one side of the drawstring bag write an inspirational or calming word
    • Examples: hope, love, grow, breathe, dream, courage, wonder 
  • Decorate the opposite side of the drawstring bag with a picture 
  • The bag will be used to put the worry stone in for the recipient to then carry around in their pocket. 

*Kit Builder Tip: place a piece of paper in the bag before drawing on the outside. This way the marker will not bleed through the other side of the bag. 

Surprise Kyndness

 1. Find the following items:
  • Sudoku, Crossword, or other Puzzle Book
  • Enclosed materials such as crayons, markers, stickers, etc.
2. Surprise Kyndness
  • Decorate the outside of the puzzle book with a picture or uplifting message.
  • Use random pages in the activity book to write short uplifting messages, draw small colorful images, or create fun writing prompts for the recipient.

DIY Paracord Bracelet

1. Find the following items:
  • Buckle
  • Scissors
  • Paracord rope
2. Follow this video to make a Paracord bracelet.
*Paracord bracelets started as a way for service members and first responders to carry extra cord in a lightweight, compact manner. Paracord has many uses and can be a survivalist’s best tool.
 
 

Pack the Kit

  • Pack all of the materials into the decorated plastic bag and put it back into the original box.
  • Make sure the Kynd Code is included.
  • Please only include items that are UNOPENED and UNUSED. 
  • Add any optional items you would like.
  • Socks
  • Batteries (AA, AAA, packs of 4 or fewer)
  • Mini flashlights
  • Flash drives
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss
  • Toothbrushes
  • Cotton swabs
  • Mini sewing kits
  • Foot powder
  • Please only include items that are UNOPENED and UNUSED
Items not to include:
  • Perishable items
  • Sharp objects
  • Nut food products
  • Religious or political items
  • Alcohol

Delivery Options

  • Deliver the kit to a local military member.
OR
 
  • Return your completed kit to be distributed to someone that is deployed or a new recruit.
To get a return label, click HERE.

You Did It!

Thank you for building a Kynd Kit!

Where would you like to go from here?

Follow us on Social Media!

Dollars for Doers

  • If your company offers a Dollars for Doers program, you can submit the time you spent building your Kynd Kit to benefit Project Helping. 

Official Name: Project Helping

Website: ProjectHelping.org

EIN/Tax ID: 45-2442366

Nonprofit Classification: 501(c)(3)

Share Your Impact

Post your experience on KyndHub.

KyndHub is an online community that gamifies volunteering, acts of kindness, and gratitude.

  1. Go to KyndHub.com or download the free app.
  2. Create a free account or log in.
  3. Select “I Built a Kynd Kit” from the post menu.
  4. Post about your kit.

LOGIN TO KYNDHUB

Share Your Completed Kynd Kit on Social Media!

We’d love to hear about your Kynd Kit experience. Post your completed kit on social media and tag Project Helping.

Get More Kynd Kits

Go back to the Kynd Kit bundle builder and get more kits to continue your impact.

Back to the Instruction Index

Go back to the Kynd Kit instruction index to build more kits!

Project Helping Homepage

Go to the Project Helping homepage. Explore our programs and get involved!