Chances are good you’ll remember the first-ever Mail Call: Letters from Home initiative last spring, designed to bring some joy to our local service members stationed abroad. Community members were encouraged to write out cards, letters and notes for the troops, which would then be shipped overseas in care packages prepared by the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester.
The effort kicked off in earnest in April, and by the beginning of the month, mailboxes had been set up in a dozen Town and Village of Webster businesses to collect the messages. Then it was just up to community members to answer the call.
They did that, big time.
Children and adults alike, from all walks of life, embraced the challenge from day one. Individuals, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, after-care programs and Scouts all started making cards. Churches, social groups, veterans, the VFW, American Legion, nursing homes, and active duty units all made cards. The Chamber of Commerce and Webster Public Library even hosted card-making events. By the end of the month, Webster blew the original goal out of the water, completing an amazing 1,558 cards and letters.
It was such an amazing response that Cherie Wood, the Mail Call organizer, has brought it back again this coming April. Her goal once again is 1,000 cards and letters, and while the mailboxes won’t be installed again until April, it’s not too early to start actually writing out some cards. Just tuck them aside for a few months; it would be a great way to kick-start the effort. It would also be helpful if you have some blank cards which you can donate to the cause. They come in very handy when places like the library have community events. Just put them aside, too, and stay tuned for more details about where to drop them off.
Lots more info to come about the Mail Call: Letters From Home 2026 initiative. Stay tuned and start writing!
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
(posted 1/15/2026)
webster on the web 
Leave a comment