(L-R) Kameo LeLievre, Dr. Laura Landerman-Garber’s

FROM THE HEART

Dr. Laura Landerman-Garber’s connection to the YMCA is rooted in a deep family tradition. “It’s a family legacy,” she explains. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Laura’s childhood was intertwined with her local YMCA, where she learned to swim and attended camp every summer from ages 8 to 17. “The philosophy behind the Y was really important to my parents,” Laura shares, reflecting on values such as caring, respect, responsibility, honesty, and community impact that shaped her upbringing.

When Laura moved to New Hampshire and started a family, the YMCA of Greater Nashua became a cornerstone of their lives. Her children took swim and tennis lessons, attended camp, and even worked at the Y—her daughter, Zoe, was a camp counselor for several summers. Although her children are now grown, the Y remains an essential part of Laura’s life, providing a sense of community and connection.

In 2003, shortly before Thanksgiving, Laura read an article about empty chairs at holiday tables, highlighting the sacrifices of military families with loved ones deployed or in veteran care facilities. Deeply moved, she wanted to help her young children understand the challenges these families face. She encouraged her family to write holiday cards for veterans and their families. What began as a small family gesture quickly expanded to include neighbors and community members, with 500 cards sent out in the first few years.

In 2017, the initiative became deeply personal when a family member of Laura’s was deployed. This inspired her to formally launch the Holiday Card Challenge, a nonprofit organization that has since sent over 1.5 million cards to active-duty military personnel, veterans, care centers, shelters, and military families across all 50 states. “The idea behind the challenge aligns perfectly with the Y’s philosophy,” Laura explains. “It’s a gift from your heart to show you care.”

The Holiday Card Challenge operates year-round, with cards collected from across the country. Each card is carefully proofread by volunteers before being bundled and distributed. Corporate sponsors like Eversource and organizations such as the YMCA and United Way provide additional support through volunteers and resources. Community groups, like the Hollis/Brookline Cucumbers and Rivier University students, also contribute time and effort.

Recipients of the cards are encouraged to share selfies or group photos using a QR code included with each bundle, allowing participants to see the direct impact of their contributions. While the busiest time of year is around the winter holidays, Laura has expanded the initiative to include “mini-challenges” for occasions like Valentine’s Day and Spring, ensuring encouragement reaches veterans throughout the year.

In 2023, Laura’s local veteran groups in Hollis and Brookline proposed building a headquarters for the Holiday Card Challenge. Thanks to overwhelming community support and donations from local businesses, a heated, dedicated building was completed outside Laura’s home in October 2023. “It’s a gift that will keep on giving,” Laura says with gratitude.

With a background in psychology, Laura occasionally wonders if the cards truly make an impact. But stories from recipients, like the deployed service member who credited a single card with lifting her out of despair, confirm the profound effect of this initiative.

Laura’s unwavering commitment to service embodies the values of the YMCA and inspires countless others to join in. At the Y, we are proud to support her mission and the lasting difference she makes in the lives of veterans and their families.

Stories like Dr. Laura Landerman-Garber’s show the power of taking action and how it aligns with the Y’s mission of strengthening community and fostering connection. Please consider a donation so we may continue providing programs and resources that turn values like caring, respect, and responsibility into tangible support for individuals and families. Together, we can create lasting impact and inspire even more stories of hope and connection.