Hakarat HaTov - Recognizing the Good

There is a wonderful organization called Standing Together whose mission it is to thank the IDF soldiers for the work they are doing WHILE they are doing it.  We know how important their job is, and we want them to know that we recognize it.  Little things like ice cream in the summer, pizza, hot chocolate, and gloves in the winter can make such a difference in a soldier's morale.

There are some really special campaigns and events throughout the year that go above and beyond the little things.  One is the Yom Ha'atzmaut Managalim. In Israel, Independence Day is spent with family having massive barbecues. For a soldier on duty, missing this cuts deep. So Standing Together gathers families and sends them to bases with the grills, meat, and salads.  The families prepare the Mangal for the soldiers and everyone celebrates together.  This year was our first Yom Ha'atzmaut as Israeli's and we went to a Standing Together Mangal.  I can't think of any other way I would've wanted to spend that day.

Right now, they are running their Purim campaign which is to Send Mishloach Manot to IDF soldiers.  You can either make a donation (if you are outside of Israel) but even better, if you live in Israel, you can actually assemble the packages yourself and include pictures and notes of gratitude.

What better way to teach your children about Hakarat HaTov - "Recognizing the Good" that these soldiers are doing for us?