Heather, Kelly, Linda, Patricia, Catherine, and Anna from Merakey Allegheny Valley School, made a beautiful canvas project to hang in their home. The ladies worked together to complete six squares of canvas that completed a full picture. The artwork is proudly displayed at the Ewings Mill I home.

Members of the Advocacy Group in Slippery Rock, PA wanted to give back to the community. House Manager Theresa Morrow and Advocacy Group leader, informed the group about Operation Gratitude.

The project is a way to thank our troops who serve overseas by sending care packages to help brighten their day. Packages were in the beginning of December, so they will hopefully arrive in time for the holidays. Word spread to the Pittsburgh Advocacy Groups and they started collections at their sites as well. David and Lisa, members from the Pittsburgh Area, travelled to Slippery Rock to deliver their collection boxes and meet some of the members of the Slippery Rock Advocacy Group. Everyone was excited about what they accomplished. Several large boxes of items were collected, and many individuals also made cards to thank the troops for their service.

Heather, an Advisory Member from Slippery Rock said, "I feel like we really made a big difference doing this."

A big thank you to Dassa McKinney Elementary School and teacher Lindsey Doolan in West Sunbury for choosing Merakey Allegheny Valley School in Slippery Rock, PA as the recipient of their Socktoberfest event. Children collected more than 3,000 pairs of socks during October. It took two vehicles to pick up the many boxes filled with socks!