We recently had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the 98th Annual Jingle Jubilee in the City of Gaithersburg on Saturday, December 7, 2024. From the moment we arrived, we could feel the festive spirit filling the air—families, friends, and community members all came together to celebrate the season, enjoy holiday music, and join in on fun activities.
One of our favorite parts of the evening was hosting the “Writing a Letter for Veterans” station, where we provided materials for attendees to craft heartfelt notes of appreciation for those who have served our country. It was truly inspiring to see so many young children and their parents pause from the hustle and bustle of holiday excitement to pen personal messages of gratitude. By the end of the night, we had collected countless letters that will undoubtedly bring comfort and cheer to veterans during this special time of year.
We’re immensely grateful to the City of Gaithersburg for inviting us to set up our booth. The staff’s hospitality and willingness to accommodate any last-minute requests made the event run smoothly from start to finish. Despite a little confusion in the planning stages, everything worked out perfectly, and we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome. The energy of the evening, complete with twinkling lights and lively music, made it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Our members had a fantastic time interacting with the community—connecting with families, sharing stories, and explaining the significance of reaching out to our veterans. The sense of togetherness at Jingle Jubilee reminded us that the holiday season isn’t just about festivities; it’s about coming together for a greater good, showing kindness, and spreading joy.
A Note from the City of Gaithersburg
Below is the email we received from Mikail Smith, Program Coordinator for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture, following the event:
Hi Austin,
Having High Schoolers for Frontliners (HSFL) join us at the event was an absolute pleasure! Thank you for your kind words and for contributing to the success of the event.
We’re thrilled that your members had a positive experience and that so many families engaged with your activity. The wonderful letters you collected will bring joy and gratitude to the veterans who receive them.
Please don’t worry about the earlier confusion. I’m happy that the onsite staff were able to accommodate you on such short notice. It was a joy to have you participate, and we genuinely appreciate the effort your team put into making the evening memorable. We would be delighted to have HSFL join us again next year, and we’ll be sure to stay in touch when planning begins.
Mikail Smith
Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture
Cultural Events & Services
Program Coordinator | City of Gaithersburg
We’d like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who stopped by our table, wrote a letter, or simply took the time to learn about our mission. Your support and generosity made the entire evening extra special. We look forward to future collaborations with the City of Gaithersburg and can’t wait for next year’s festivities. Here’s to carrying the spirit of gratitude and community into the New Year—and beyond!
Written by Austin Moon
December 7th, 2024
