At our office, staffers get the afternoon off on Halloween...if we dress up. So last week, DoSomething became BooSomething. Our video producer, Chris, went as The Rock, I rocked this wig as Patrick Swayze from Road House, and everyone else went as, well, everything else. Hope you all had a fun and safe and mullet-filled Halloween. Next stop: Valentine’s Day...when we get the whole day off in the name of love.

Let’s Do This,
Ben, Editor-in-chief & Patrick Swayze circa 1989

Why Something as Small as a Thank-You Note Is So Meaningful to a Service Member

“It's crazy how appreciative a simple letter can make you when you are 6,000 miles away [from home],” says Ethan Ramos, 23, who serves in the National Guard.

Beyond everything they do to keep us safe, military service members make the additional sacrifice of spending long periods of time away from family and friends.

This is the case with 23-year-old Ethan Ramos, who has been serving in the New Jersey Army National Guard for the past four years. One simple thing that keeps Ethan connected to the people and the country he serves: notes from friends, family, and strangers alike.

“Each card or letter I opened overwhelmed me with a sense of appreciation,” says Ethan, who’s stationed in Qatar, 6,700 miles away from his hometown of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. “It reminded me that there are so many people that love and care about me...which is why I have kept every single one.”

DoSomething members posing with their cards of gratitude

Team up with the DoSomething community and send your letter today. Through DoSomething’s Huddle for Heroes campaign, powered by the NFL Huddle for 100, you can use our easy guide to make a card or letter of appreciation for service members, vets, and their families.

Huddle for Heroes

The students at Watkins Mill are back at it… spreading pure positivity throughout my favorite Maryland high school.

Good vibes come in all colors… thanks to DoSomething member Shehza who rocked a rainbow hat and posted colorful anti-bullying posters.

Khloe Thompson, 12, one of our fave youth philanthropists… started #GivingTuesdayKids to inspire more kids to change the world!

And the winner of last week’s Cancel Bullying Hollister gift card is… DoSomething member Aaliyah!

Check out this powerful spoken word poem… by DoSomething member Breanna.

Our team members at DoSomething Strategic… created this incredible 4-D immersive pop-up to inspire people to save the Arctic Refuge.

Can’t get enough Vikings DoSomething… the DoSomething Club that keeps on crushing it.

Actor and singer Kevin Quinn is helping fans avoid being NSFW… (Not Safe for Wheels) in our driver safety campaign.

DoSomething member Rebecca (and her pup!)... are brightening the day of kids in hospitals (and mine too!).

Learn how to win easy scholarships through volunteering (no GPA, essay, or recommendation required...ever). Subscribe to Pays To Do Good.

More Amazing Impact From the DoSomething Community

Last week, we asked you to brag about amazing stuff you’re doing, and you did not disappoint. Here are some of our favorite answers from the DoSomething community. (And submit yours here!)

“I have been mentoring a group of girls that have been rescued from sex trafficking.”

- Ashley, 17, Texas

“I got a certificate for completing a week class for mechanical engineering in the Motorola company.”

- Kaylee, 18, Maryland

“I helped give food to the poor.”

- Cesar, 18, Texas

“I'm helping with storytime at the library, and the children's librarian and I are going to dress up with the kids! (That way they know you’re never too old to dress up!)”

- Abbey, 16, Wisconsin

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