Monthly Service Challenge

Each month, a new mission will be posted as motivation for us all to roll up our sleeves and serve our communities. Be sure to keep the Office of the First Lady in the loop by posting on social media using #TennesseeServes for a chance to be recognized as a Service Spotlight. Grab your friends, family, classmates or colleagues and join us as Tennessee Serves!

AUGUST

Tennessee is stronger because of those who have served our nation.

This month, join Tennessee Serves as we turn gratitude into action. Serve, support, and honor the military members and veterans in your community.

Service Opportunities

Suggested Service Opportunities

**Please note that First Lady Maria Lee and the TN Serves team will not be attending these projects in-person**

Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Memphis, August 1,8,15,22,29 1:00pm-3:00pm: Teach basic tech skills to elder veterans in the Alpha Omega computer lab
Alvin C. York VA Activity Cart, Murfreesboro, daily, anytime between 10:00am-2:00pm: Assist with the VA’s activity cart to help vets keep their minds engaged through puzzles, magazines, art, and more
Amedysis Hospice, Morristown, varying times: Offer companionship, respite care, or vigil sitting for veterans at the end of their lives

Everyday Ways to Serve

Use these ideas to support military and veterans efforts in your area:

Cook and deliver a homecooked meal to a veteran or military family you know
Write letters, make paracord lanyards, or host a collection drive for a nonprofit like Operation Gratitude
Create ‘Welcome Home Kits’ with household essentials, cleaning supplies, toiletries etc. and bring them to a Veteran housing facility in your area
Volunteer to help veterans move or furnish their new housing with a nonprofit like YAIPAK
Simply tell a veteran “thank you” for their service to our country
Invite a military family to social gatherings, church, or other activities
Bake and deliver cookies to a VA Medical Center or Veterans Home near you
Take in a K9 Foster that will later be given to a Veteran to combat the veteran loneliness epidemic
Provide transportation, childcare, or groceries to a military family in your area
Send a care package to troops stationed overseas through organizations like Soldiers’ Angels
Sponsor a military family who has lost their loved one in the line of duty for Christmas through A Soldier’s Child Foundation