LANSING — Michigan Veteran Homes’ “Make a Veteran Smile Campaign” encourages Michigan residents to spread holiday cheer by sending a card or letter to veteran members.

“Some of the local holiday functions members would attend have been suspended due to the pandemic and that can lead to feelings of isolation around the holidays,” said Rebecca Smit, activity department manager for Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids in a news release.

Sending a card is another way our communities and advocates can show support for veteran members, Smit said.

“The members are always excited to receive cards or letters especially when the sender shares a little about themselves or their family,” said Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator for Michigan Veteran Homes, in a news release. “For some of our members who do not have close friends or family, this might be the only message they receive around the holidays.”

Cards and letters can be addressed to ATTN: Make a Vet Smile and mailed to: Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township at 47901 Sugarbush Rd., Chesterfield Township, MI 48047; Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids at 3000 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49505; and

Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti at 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855.

Michigan Veteran Homes provides day-to-day operational oversight of the state’s veteran homes on behalf of the Michigan Veterans Facility Authority and is a branch of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. MVH strives to ensure that quality long-term care is provided to the veterans and their eligible family members that live within the Homes. High-quality care for this phase of life is central to the “member for life” concept that DMVA embraces. The MVH operates the Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, the Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti in Marquette and the new Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township. For more information, visit: https://www.michigan.gov/mvh.