At their summer church camp, 200 young women from Prosper, Texas came together to serve in a powerful and hands-on way. As part of a special service project, they created over 400 paracord lanyards to be donated to military personnel through Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit dedicated to expressing appreciation to those who serve.
Working in groups around picnic tables and under the shade of tall trees, the young women learned how to weave the durable cords into compact lanyards—each one a small but meaningful token of support and gratitude. The lanyards are more than just practical tools; when included in care packages, they become symbols of connection, reminding service members that they are remembered and appreciated.
“It was a really cool experience because the lanyard I was making could someday save someone’s life,” said Madeleine Stice, a 14-year-old camper. Each paracord lanyard can be unraveled and used in emergency situations, offering potentially life-saving utility to those in the field.
Leaders found the project through JustServe.org, a platform that connects volunteers with local service opportunities. “We were so glad to find a project on Just Serve that we could easily bring with us to camp and that could accommodate such a large group,” said Annilee Cook, one of the camp leaders. “The girls really enjoyed it—it was simple to learn, meaningful in purpose, and something they could do together.”
Throughout the day, there was a tangible spirit of purpose and unity as the girls tied knot after knot, sharing stories, laughter, and the occasional tangle. Many took time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those in uniform, and the chance to give back—even in a small way—left a lasting impression.
By the end of the project, more than 400 lanyards were boxed up and ready to ship, each one carrying with it the sincere thanks of a new generation. For the young women, it was a reminder that service doesn’t require grand gestures—just willing hands and open hearts.