“Purple Up! For Military Kids”

April marks the nation's "Month of the Military Child," a time to honor youth impacted by deployment. In celebration, Virginia Operation: Military Kids (OMK) is partnering with New Hampshire and many other OMK States to invite you to take part in the 2nd annual "Purple Up! for Military Kids."

We are encouraging everyone across the state of Virginia to wear purple on Friday, April 13th, as a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue. OMK hopes everyone will take this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate these young heroes.

We ask schools and organizations to be creative! The goal is for military youth to actually see the support of their community! Need some ideas to get you started?

~Ask local, regional, and state officials to wear purple on April 13th

~Spread the word by inviting newspaper and media outlets to feature a story about Purple Up! For Military Kids

~Involve area schools, sports teams, youth organizations and clubs, after school programs, and recreation departments

~Engage the Chamber of Commerce, fraternal organizations, social clubs, and Rotary groups

~Request local businesses post a Purple Up! message on their roadside signs, and ask their employees to wear purple

~Ask stores and restaurants to offer a discount to all patrons who wear purple

~Invite coworkers, members of your spiritual community, exercise class, or golf league to join you in showing support for the military youth in
your town.

Virginia Operation: Military Kids would like to honor each organization that gets involved!! So, how can YOU help paint the State PURPLE??

First, send an email to Megan Baker, Virginia OMK Director at omkdirector@gmail.com<mailto:omkdirector@gmail.com> and let us know you will be participating in Purple Up!

Include your (1) name, (2) organization, (3) address, (4) phone number, and (5) what you are going to do to get involved.

Next, remember to send us your photos to post on the VA OMK website, where military youth and families from across the state will see them. All photos and/or questions can go to: Megan Baker at 301-401-4878,omkdirector@gmail.com<mailto:omkdirector@gmail.com>