Kelly Gruscinski sits a large, empty gift bag on her porch in the winter.
But soon enough, her North Olmsted neighbors will fill that bag with letters—hundreds of them.
After 14 Brook Park Marines were killed in action in 2005, Gruscinski wanted to give back.
“I heard the USO needed two things,” she said. “It needed financial support and moral support sending letters to the troops.”
Her effort started small, writing to servicemen and women every week. But, soon, friends, family and local schools grabbed their pens and papers.
Now, nearly 7 years and 15,000 letters later, Gruscinski said she has no plans to stop.
“It’s amazing to see everyone join,” she said. “From ages three to 93. Preschoolers learning to write and World War II veterans. I’m thankful that these men and women have volunteered for our military that we need to thank them.”
Youth have been the backbone for her effort, like 13-year-old Anna Zingalis. She asked peers at her school, Saint Mary’s of the Falls in Olmsted Falls, to make Christmas cards for a service project.
“It’s important because the soldiers do so much for us, so it feels good to do something back to them,” she said. “It reminds them of home and that while they’re out there fighting for us, we still care.”
Bay Middle School sixth grader Danielle Cook, 11, also collected for the troops.
“They were just really creative and fun to make, said Cook. “It’s important to do because they’re probably not going to be home for Christmas. It’s just a nice thing for them to have while they’re out there. It’s like a little piece of home.”
Although Gruscinski’s mailed thousands of letters, only two service members have ever replied.
One man, who is from the Virgin Islands, has become such good friends that he’s asked Gruscinski to be godmother to his future child.
The other, a Cleveland native, Army Staff Sgt. Adam Houck, has been in touch with Gruscinski.
Houck joined the military after Sept. 11, 2001, and has served four military tours.
He said letters from complete strangers, like Gruscinski and the children, always give his unit a constant boost in morale.
“I wish there were words to describe how important to us, being over there. These kids… they touch our hearts,” he said. “It’s just special. We sacrifice, yes, you know, but we don’t expect anyone to say thank you.”