Students teamed with Operation Gratitude for this project. Bracelets unravel as parachute cord for service members in an emergency.
This year, the Cherokee High School DECA program wanted to focus its annual community service project around Veterans Day and supporting the armed forces.
In researching ways to help, members of the program found what the program describes as “a great organization to team up with” in the Operation Gratitude organization.
According to Operation Gratitude’s website, the mission of the program is “to lift the spirits and meet the evolving needs of the Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for civilians anywhere in America to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation.” According to the site, Operation Gratitude sends more 200,000 care packages annually to those currently fighting overseas, as well as veterans, first responders, and new recruits. The organization also seeks to serve wounded warriors, their caregivers, and families of United States service members.
Also according to Operation Gratitude’s website, one way that Operation Gratitude asks community members to get involved is by making “paracord bracelets,” which can unravel to provide seven-and-a-half feet of parachute cord that service members can use in an emergency situation. The bracelets can hold up to 550 pound and can be used for a variety of uses, including creating a makeshift shelter, pulling heavy objects and making a splint or sling.
Cherokee’s DECA program said students spent the week after Veterans Day making the bracelets during their lunch and learn periods. DECA advisor Jillian Ormsby purchased the paracord using fundraising money and cut all of the cord to length prior to the project. Students then met in her classroom throughout the week to create the bracelets.
According to Cherokee’s DECA program, the chapter made 80 paracord bracelets for Operation Gratitude to send overseas for active service members.
Cherokee’s DECA program is a business competition club that competes at the regional, state and international level. The chapter has 103 members and is currently sponsored by the Marlton Business Association and Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice.
