Give Thanks: Support Our Military Family
“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive … to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.”
President Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address
March 4, 1865
When soldiers are deployed overseas, families are left behind and often face financial and emotional hardship. With thousands of charities devoted to supporting our military family, it’s not easy to know which ones are the most worthy of your support.
The Military Family Support Web Guide lists our top charities for supporting military families and troops. Use it to connect with the families and service members who have sacrificed so much for America by sending letters and supplies, volunteering, helping heal wounded soldiers or giving much-needed donations.
Make the United States the country you want it to be: a place where citizens support our military family and honor their principles through even the most challenging of times. Learn how to support the families whose loved ones are currently serving, how to support the troops overseas and those who have returned home, and find Web sites that military families can visit to seek help. View a Spanish-language version of the Military Family Support Web Guide.
President Abraham Lincoln
Second Inaugural Address
March 4, 1865
When soldiers are deployed overseas, families are left behind and often face financial and emotional hardship. With thousands of charities devoted to supporting our military family, it’s not easy to know which ones are the most worthy of your support.
The Military Family Support Web Guide lists our top charities for supporting military families and troops. Use it to connect with the families and service members who have sacrificed so much for America by sending letters and supplies, volunteering, helping heal wounded soldiers or giving much-needed donations.
Make the United States the country you want it to be: a place where citizens support our military family and honor their principles through even the most challenging of times. Learn how to support the families whose loved ones are currently serving, how to support the troops overseas and those who have returned home, and find Web sites that military families can visit to seek help. View a Spanish-language version of the Military Family Support Web Guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsProviding Military Family Support
If you want to strengthen the American community on a local level, one great way is to reach out to the families whose loved ones are currently serving. Many excellent resources exist to help you provide military family support.
Insights for Providing Military Family Support
- Be sure to visit the sites mentioned in the other sections of this guide, as many of them also need volunteers and financial support.
- Although most of these organizations need volunteers to donate time, all of the organizations can also benefit from financial contributions. If you don’t have time to offer, make a tax-deductible donation instead. Many organizations allow you to make donations online with just a few clicks.
Top Sites for Providing Military Family Support
To help build community …
Operation Homefront
was founded by military family members to address the shortfall in assistance provided to families of deployed service members. It aids families through 30 chapters across the nation and addresses a wide spectrum of needs. Operation Homefront has a prestigious advisory board and was awarded a 4-Star rating by Charity Navigator, a nonprofit evaluator.
Our Military Kids
offers educational support to children whose parents have been seriously injured while serving. Visit the “Support Our Military Kids” link to find out what you can do as a volunteer, corporate donor or individual sponsor. Or go to “How to Apply” to find out if you qualify for assistance.
U.S. Department of Defense Community Relations
Web site provides a list of government and military programs that offer support to service members in a broad range of areas, including education, child care, employment, medical assistance and more. Please note that we have not evaluated the individual organizations spotlighted here.
MyVetwork
is a networking site specifically for military members and vets. Once you’ve registered on the site, it prompts you to enter your interests, skills, hobbies and personality traits. An interactive chart helps you search for like-minded military members and veterans.
Lead The Way Fund, Inc.
is a nonprofit organization established in memory of Sgt. James J. Regan who was killed while serving in Iraq. Lead The Way raises money to support the families of U.S. Army Rangers who are currently serving, have been disabled or who have died. The funds provide assistance with health, wellness and other financial aid programs.
To help build homes …
Homes for Our Troops
gathers support from contractors, corporations and individuals to build no-cost homes for wounded troops with special needs. Go to “Get Involved” to learn how you can show support, or visit the “Donate” section to find out how you can donate funds, your time or even construction supplies or labor.
Rebuilding Together
helps rebuild communities through local support. Their Veterans Housing program provides home repairs and renovations for veterans from past and present wars. Go to “Ways You Can Help” to find out how you can make a financial contribution or volunteer your time.
For education resources …
ThanksUSA
gives thanks to U.S. military members by offering the gift of education to their spouses and children. Visit “Scholarships” to find out about eligibility and how to apply, or use the “Donate Now” button to contribute.
Folds of Honor Foundation
offers post-secondary education scholarships to the spouses and children of military service members who have been disabled or killed as a result of their service. Learn more about the organization, its founder and how you can contribute to FHF's fundraising efforts.
Sending a Military Care Package
Sending a military care package is a time-honored way to give our troops items ... read more »
Support Our Troops
Like anyone who is in an unfamiliar place, soldiers love to receive correspondence from the home ... read more »
Help Wounded Soldiers
Although there are many soldiers fighting who deserve attention, there are also a great many that ... read more »
Military Family Services
Although there are many organizations dedicated to providing military family ... read more »
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