With the spirit of kindness and generosity in the air, we are officially in the holiday season.
And while this time of year is the ‘most wonderful’ for most, there are many military families who could use your support now more than ever. Read on to find some ways to get involved and spread cheer to those service men and women, and their families, who need it most.
Like a kid on Christmas
Who doesn’t love to make a child’s holiday bright? Here’s some ways to donate toys and essential items to children of service men and women in need.
Toy for Tots – They’ve been making spirits bright for 75 years. Continue their joyful tradition.
Operation Homefront – Collect toys, volunteer, or donate to support their events for veterans, wounded, and active-duty military families. (They do meal donations too!)
Soldiers’ Angels- Provide gifts for children and grocery gift cards for the whole family’s holiday meal.
Pay Away – Surprise families by paying off their layaway balances for all sorts of gifts and essentials.
Make the distance a little shorter
Help make the holidays special for deployed service members and their families.
Full Circle Home – Help service members send a gifts and handwritten notes home to their loved ones.
DIY – Send a thoughtful care package to a deployed soldier to brighten his or her holiday. Check out these suggestions for what to include:
Beyond the gifts
While actual gifts are wonderful, there’s many ways to support others this holiday season.
National Military Family Association- Support their many programs benefiting military families through any part of the military journey.
For other unique ways to show you care, check out our blog post about Meaningful Ways to Give Back and Show You Care.
Find Support for Yourself
Do you need some support for your own family? Many of the organizations listed above have applications available for assistance at the holidays and beyond.
We hope these resources help you find the right giving opportunity. And no matter how you give, we’re sure the soldiers and families of our U.S. military will be thankful for the support this holiday season.