When senior Christine Cocce first became a Daisy in kindergarten, she never imagined that being a Girl Scout would lead her to create a worldwide program that sends letters to American soldiers overseas. Twelve years later, Cocce founded Letters for Liberty, a program that does just that.

It began with Cocce’s Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement a Girl Scout can receive. In order to receive the award, a Girl Scout must individually spend hundreds of hours creating a sustainable program that will have a positive effect on her community.

“I know a lot of people who have sons and daughters who are deployed. One of my neighbors also has a close friend who is fighting overseas,” said Cocce. “I feel like soldiers are sometimes neglected because we’re so used to having them overseas. When it came to deciding upon a project topic, I just put two and two together.”

Letters for Liberty is a program that sends handwritten, thoughtful notes of appreciation to soldiers overseas. Each letter includes stationery, so soldiers can write home to their loved ones. Over the past year, Letters for Liberty has sent over 120 letters and 240 pieces of stationery to soldiers.

The program began in December, 2010, but Cocce spent six months planning before she started.

“Making a website was an adventure because I knew nothing about it,” said Cocce. “I found a website building guide that made things a little easier.”

Cocce initially worked with a company that sent her the name and address of a unit. Letters for Liberty would then write individual cards for each member of the unit. The website, http://www.lettersforliberty.org/, also has a section where visitors can submit the names of soldiers to receive letters.

With the help of her Girl Scout troop and her friends, Cocce’s program has gradually expanded and become self-sustainable. Organizations and clubs can contact Cocce and request a certain number of names. The clubs can then hold workshops where their members can write cards.

“It’s been really cool because I get emails from people who want to hold workshops all over Massachusetts. A few have even been held in New York and New Hampshire,” said Cocce. “I can also see that people from Russia, Brazil and Thailand have visited my website. Some people visit it often, and I hope that means they’ll get involved too.”

Last year at an Adam Ezra rally at Gillette Stadium, Cocce and seniors Iliana Smalanskas and Stephanie Kra set up a Letters for Liberty booth where audience members could write cards.

“We read what people had written to make sure it was appropriate, and there were all these heartfelt letters thanking our soldiers for everything they have done. It was so amazing and really gratifying,” said Smalanskas.

For Cocce, one of the most gratifying parts of the experience is interacting with those writing letters or holding workshops.

“One woman called me on the phone and said that a soldier’s worst fear is that they will be forgotten,” said Cocce. “I don’t think they should have to worry about that kind of thing when they are fighting for our country.”

Cocce has also received several responses from units and individual soldiers who received letters through Letters for Liberty.

“That is my favorite part. I’ve gotten responses in the mail, email and on Facebook. Soldiers are really reaching out, and their effort means a lot to me,” said Cocce.

“Just a quick note to sincerely thank you for your time, effort and thoughtfulness,” wrote Major Dan M. in Iraq. “Your ambition in starting Letters for Liberty is truly inspiring.”

Cocce hopes to keep the program running after she graduates from high school.

“Spreading the word is the best thing I can do right now because then people can hold workshops on their own. I really hope the program continues because I know how much it means to the soldiers,” Cocce said.

Cocce hopes to involve Wayland High School in the project soon, whether it be through a club, a winter week activity or simply a booth in the Commons where students can write letters during lunch.

“My project brings joy to soldiers overseas by reminding them that we remember their service,” wrote Cocce on her website. “Although they are not at home, they are not forgotten.”