A week of celebrating veterans
Gilbert, Arizona
Each November during Veterans Week, Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church honors those who served. Last year’s event, honoring K-9 dog units, began with a “God and Country” concert and included a veteran presentation to schoolchildren. The week culminates with a dinner serving more than 200 people. Jacqueline Sutherlin’s Thrivent Action Team helps with the dinner supplies and preparation. The festivities provide veterans and community members with the opportunity to reflect, give thanks and celebrate.
Birthday wishes turn into donations
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota
World War II veteran Donald Halverson’s family wanted to do something extra special when he turned 103 last February. For his birthday, their Thrivent Action Team, led by Thomas Halverson, collected 400 pounds of non-perishable food items. The food was donated to Community Emergency Assistance Programs (CEAP).
The previous year, the family sought donations of 102 pairs of new socks. The collection, inspired by how Halverson kept his feet warm and dry during troop movement in WWII, brought in more than 200 pairs. The donations were shared with Every Third Saturday, a veterans organization in Richfield, Minnesota.
Serving up breakfast on the Fourth
Thorp, Wisconsin
Each year, Marilyn Borgeson and her family lead a Thrivent Action Team to help host a Fourth of July breakfast that serves nearly 600 people. Partnering with Thorp VFW Post 9057, the Borgesons prepare a hearty buffet of eggs, sausages, pancakes and fruit, while VFW members and spouses help serve. Breakfast proceeds support local scholarships, the Thorp Veterans Remembrance Park and other community needs.
