Needs From: United Way of the Lakeshore

Kick off the new year by spreading a little kindness one card at a time.Join us in decorating Valentine's Day cards for older adults across Oceana, Muskegon and Ottawa counties. A handmade card with a kind message can brighten someone's day and remind them they are cared for and connected.All cards are due Monday, February 9, 2026. Drop off locations (Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 3 pm): - AgeWell Services Admin Building (275 W Clay Ave Ste 100, Muskegon, MI 49440) - Tanglewood Park (560 Seminole Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49444)

What You Need:  A veteran in your community An audio or video recording device  scanner or copier for photographs  The Veterans History Project Instruction Booklet (Download Here)  What You Do: 

This project is a project that requires several forms to be filled out but is relatively easy to complete. Essentially you walk through the Veterans History Project Instruction Booklet step by step to conduct an interview with your local veteran. You come up with prompts, record the interview, collect copies of any photographs or memorabilia, and have all forms and paperwork filled out.  

You can then either forward that information to the United Way of the Lakeshore, or you can send the documents to the Library of Congress. 

This project is a great way to spend time with some of our greatest community members (our veterans!) and record local history. 

Veterans History Project: 

The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

The Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center collects and preserves the firsthand interviews and narratives of the United States military veterans from World War I through the present. In addition to audio- and video-recorded oral history interviews, VHP accepts memoirs and collections of original photographs, letters, diaries, maps and other historical documents from veterans who served in the US armed services from World War I through the present. The Project makes accessible the materials that comprise this important national archive, which contains submissions from every state, and includes the US territories. VHP relies on volunteers, both individuals, and organizations, throughout the nation to contribute veterans’ stories to VHP.

VHP also collects oral histories with Gold Star Family members, defined as a parent, spouse, sibling, or child of members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.

The Need In Our Community: 

Currently, the Veterans History Project only has 5 servicemen listed from the Lakeshore. None of these soldiers have their pictures available. This is a great opportunity to preserve not only Community History but to preserve the family history of those in our community as well.