Gabrielle (9), Aiden (6) co-founders of Caring Kids Cards participating in Adopt A Soldier Make A Difference Day Event

This past Saturday was the culmination of Make Your Mark Week and Make a Difference Day, the largest day of service in the nation. People of all ages participated in projects throughout the U.S. to make a positive difference in the world.  Today we highlight an Adopt-A-Soldier Make A Difference Day Event in Fairfax County.

Today's post was written by Gabrielle Levy, a fourth grader in Fairfax Virginia, and co-founder of Caring Kids Cards. Gabrielle and her brother Aiden participated in Make A Difference Day by writing cards for the Military.

On October 22, people came out and volunteered for Make A Difference Day, stuffing backpacks, making cards, care packages, helping soldiers, supporting military families and lots more.  There were 2,000 volunteer positions around Fairfax County.

"Supervisor Cook is all about volunteering... and celebrating our community and the soldiers that have to be deployed.  I have gotten packages.  Being tired and receiving care packages is really exciting.  Anyone can send cards or pictures." said Ryan Kelly, Supervisor Cook Chief of Staff.

Jim Tragakis, Past President and current board member of Volunteer Fairfax talked about the importance of volunteering, "I hope it teaches kids the importance of the community."

For Make A Difference Day at Lake Braddock Secondary School many people were  stuffing boxes, taping boxes, making cards, writing addresses, stuffing backpacks, and writing shipping labels.

Ainsley, age 9 from Lorton, is part of a military family - her dad is in the Air Force.  She was at the project "helping people and troops and having fun."  Everyone was having fun and helping the community.  Even Ruby, age 3 1/2, participated and said she is "having fun" and likes "to be with my mommy."

"I want kids to understand that kids are part of their community and they can help their community.  What we're doing is helping your neighbors and celebrating the people who leave home and help them because we all have a community.  I am a retired soldier and my whole family is in the military."  said Mary Keeser, Founder of America's Adopt A Soldier.

Lt. Col. Mike and his family

All of the care packages and cards made at Lake Braddock during Make A Difference Day will go to people in the military overseas.

Lt. Colonel Mike was volunteering with his family. He said:

"I think it is great and a great way to give back.  I am now on the other end of receiving care packages.  I was in Kuwait for a year, so I know how it feels to get care packages."

The backpacks that were stuffed at the event will go to children with parents in the military.  "We are supporting the troops and getting stuff because they're fighting and need them" said Connor, age 11, from Lorton.

Everyone was making a difference and having a good time.  Caring Kids Cards was proud to be a part of this great event.