Camp Fire collects words of thanks for C.O. veterans

People were literally “flagged down” in the streets of downtown Bend on Friday night, to write out a thank-you message to strangers who will soon welcome the thoughtful touch.

Camp Fire Central Oregon, a local youth organization, created a space for people to write thank-you notes to veterans.

With Veterans Day coming up, they wanted to give people the opportunity to send a message to a local veteran.

After just an hour, organizers estimated 75 people had stopped to write notes.

Many people walking by mentioned they had a family member in the military, so they really appreciated what Camp Fire Central Oregon was doing.

One who stopped to write a note explained why it was important he do so.

“I never gave people in the military another thought — until my kid joined,” Jeff Leifer said. “Then I thought, ‘ God, they could go off and die at any time for us.’ So I really respect them and appreciate them.”

One of the organizers put it best: It takes a short amount of time to make a big impact. They could use your help.

“Come join us on Sunday (Nov. 11),” Melanie Feltmate said. “You know, the bigger the crowd, the better. We’ve got a lot of thank yous to hand out, so we want to make sure all our youth get involved and get to meet a veteran and say thank you.”

The notes will be personally handed out to veterans during the Veterans Day parade in downtown Bend, a week from Sunday.

If you wish to write a note, or want to help hand out the notes during the parade, just reach out to info@campfireco.org, or call 541-382-4684.