Howdy Jamienoelle,
I am sorry to hear you are struggling to feel appreciation from your Boss. First, someone should try to understand the boss's position. More than likely, your boss has a boss that he has to report to. Therefore, the information you might think to be important to your boss may not be the same kind of information he needs to provide to corporate. So, crazy as it may seem, my advise is to take the opportunity to understand what your boss really needs. He or she might be worried that you are after his job at first. Just explain that you want to ensure your work is helping take some of the load off of his hands, is meeting his expectations or is, as you say, worthy of appreciation. For part two, let me share a piece of vital information. You see, managers like good results. As time permits, try to check with other department heads if you feel the increase of good results may affect their sections. Subsequently, evaluate opportunities to use your (or your team's) talents to improve results. Afterward, create reports that show your (or your team's) work has improved a certain aspect of the business.
In the service, while stationed in Germany, I once had a platoon leader who treated our team as slaves. Most of my time there was spent working. I recall that the rate of divorce within the platoon was higher than the whole unit (including yours truly) Anyway, the point is that members of the workforce, blue collar or not, will find themselves under different bosses, each with their own type of leadership style. So, as I tried to encourage, find ways to make a positive difference, perhaps in the manner that one would want their team to help.
(My experience stems from real-world, college-level case studies as well as community service).
Respectfully (and thankfully, I am no longer working for a certain Chief Warrant Officer),
Phil