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 they need and to let them know that someone at home is looking out for them. Use the sites below for suggestions on what to send and how to address your military care packages, whether you know a specific service member in need or are reaching out anonymously.
Insights for Sending a Military Care Package
- The U.S. Postal Service provides free boxes for sending military care packages to soldiers.
- Some of the organizations listed below offer several outreach possibilities in addition to sending military care packages. Browse each organization’s site to learn how you can help.
- Some items that may seem basic to you aren't allowed on the frontlines. Before you put together a care package, review these sites to find out which items will be most helpful to the troops and where you can send them.
- The U.S. Department of Defense recently no longer offers the “Any Service Member” program, which allowed people to send care packages to anonymous troops. Care packages now have to be addressed to specific recipients. To help you do that, some of the Web sites in this section provide soldiers’ names and addresses.
Top Sites for Sending a Military Care Package
To send a basic military care package …
USO
(United Service Organizations) offers a wealth of volunteering opportunities, one of which is sending a care package. If you want to send care packages or learn about donation programs, visit the “Send a Gift” section. If you’d like to volunteer visit the “Become a Volunteer” link.
Any Soldier
makes mailing a military care package easy through convenient links near the top of the page, such as “What to Send,” “Where to Send” and “How to Send.” Read the stories of soldiers who have received care packages, along with photos and personal thank-you’s from grateful troops.
To donate clothing …
Sew Much Comfort
helps service members that need special adaptive clothing or apparel because of injuries they have sustained. The organization accepts regular clothing contributions and customizes them to fit the needs of individual soldiers. Visit “Donations” to find out how to help.
To enable soldiers to phone home …
Freedom Calls Foundation
arranges for soldiers to connect with their families at home via telephone, video e-mail or video conference. Through this organization, soldiers have not only been able to place routine calls home without financial hardship, but have also been able to attend milestone family events, such as witnessing weddings and births of children.
Cell Phones for Soldiers
was established by 13-year-old Brittany Bergquist and her 12-year-old brother, Robbie. In exchange for each used cell phone received by the company ReCellular, the company donates the funds for one hour-long calling card. The cards are given to service members abroad to contact loved ones back home. Find out how to donate your used cell phone.
Support Our Troops
Like anyone who is in an unfamiliar place, soldiers love to receive correspondence from the home front. Learn how to support our troops with letters, e-mails and small but invaluable supplies.
Insights for Supporting Our Troops
- These organizations ask that individuals that volunteer do so only if they have a generous amount of time to dedicate to correspondence. If you don’t think you can commit to writing regularly, consider other ways to support our troops.
- Many of these organizations also encourage you to send care packages. These packages don’t have to be big or expensive—even small items like toothpaste and lip balm can make a big difference in the daily life of a soldier.
- E-mails urging you to send a holiday card to “Any Wounded Soldier" at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are popular during the holiday season, but in fact no military facility can accept mail that isn't directed to a particular soldier. Be skeptical of any such e-mails (well-meaning though they may seem) and instead rely on the excellent organizations we’ve listed here for help corresponding with individual service members.
Top Sites for Supporting Our Troops
To write a soldier …
Soldiers’ Angels
helps you “adopt” a soldier. To participate in this program, you must commit to sending a card or letter at least once a week and a care package at least once a month. If you don’t feel comfortable with that time requirement, you can also join Soldiers’ Angels to volunteer with the group, or give a donation. Site visitors can also submit deployed soldiers to be included in the program.
Pen Pals for Soldiers
helps individuals send letters or care packages to specific service members. Find out how to address a package under “How to Send.” The “Items to Send” section has a thorough list of suggested items to include in letters or care packages.
To help a soldier who helps Iraqi children …
Tom Deierlein Foundation
was founded to support Iraqi children. When Deierlein was serving in Baghdad, he began seeking contributions from friends back home to help Iraqi children with basic life needs. After he was seriously wounded in 2006, his colleagues back home started the Tom Deierlein Foundation to continue his work in aiding Iraqi children. The foundation is managed entirely by volunteers, and states that 100 percent of donations go directly to assist Iraqi children affected by the war.
Help Wounded Soldiers
Although there are many soldiers fighting who deserve attention, there are also a great many that come home wounded and need tremendous resources for healing and support. Use the sites below to learn how you can help wounded soldiers.
Insights for Helping Wounded Soldiers
- For many people, supporting wounded troops in person can be an overwhelming experience. If you choose to volunteer face to face with severely injured soldiers, be sure you're prepared for the emotional impact of the experience.
- Interested in reading about a wounded soldier with an inspiring story? Try “Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior: A Personal Story of a Vietnam Veteran Who Lost his Legs but Found His Soul” by Allen B. Clark Jr.
Top Sites for Helping Wounded Soldiers
To support the wounded …
Wounded Warrior Project
offers a number of innovative programs to help reintegrate severely wounded soldiers returning to civilian life. One example is “Soldier Ride,” a bicycling program in which severely disabled soldiers cycle with their families for fun and healing outside the hospital environment.
ReMIND.org
is the Web site of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, created by Woodruff, a TV news anchor who suffered serious head injuries while on assignment in Iraq in 2006. The organization assists injured U.S. military service members, and focuses on reintegrating wounded soldiers into their families and communities by spreading information about traumatic brain injuries and combat stress.
To help wounded soldiers get home …
Veterans Airlift Command
offers free air transportation to wounded soldiers and their families so that servicemen and women can get home from remote hospitals. Visit “Passengers” if you could benefit from this service, or “Ground Support” to donate.
To help wounded soldiers have fun …
Cause
(Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services), founded by four West Point graduates, presents programs, galas, events and activities for wounded soldiers, primarily at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Disabled Sports USA
partners with the Wounded Warrior Project to help severely wounded service members from Iraq and Afghanistan participate in sports year-round. Rehabilitation programs include cycling, skiing, team sports, snowshoeing, camping, whitewater rafting and more. The organization encourages individuals that have lost traditional athletic abilities to stay active and fit despite their injuries.
To support an organization that uses animals for therapy …
America's VetDogs
connects visually impaired veterans and disabled soldiers with guide and service dogs that provide companionship and assistance. Apply for a service dog, or make a donation to help keep this program running.
B.I.T.S.
(Back in the Saddle Bit by Bit) is a therapy resource for wounded soldiers and their families. Using equine therapy, the group aims to heal participants on both emotional and physical levels. Go to “Programs” to find out how the organization works, or visit “Donations” to contribute directly.
Military Family Services
Although there are many organizations dedicated to providing military family services, not all are of equal caliber. In fact, the vulnerability of many military families creates an opportunity for individuals with bad intentions to take advantage of families when they are most susceptible. We’ve vetted and selected the most honorable and effective organizations to help you and your family find the help you deserve.
Insights for Military Family Services
- Most of the organizations included here work with families in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces but each branch has its own programs and benefits as well. Scroll down for our recommendations on specialized organizations; branches are listed alphabetically.
- If you’re a member of a military family, make sure to read the “Providing Military Family Support” section of this guide. You might be eligible for assistance from the organizations featured there.
Top Sites for Military Family Services
For general military family resources …
The Armed Forces Foundation
is dedicated to supporting members of the armed forces and their families. Visit “Our Programs” to see how the organization can offer financial assistance and support to families of fallen or wounded soldiers.
MilitaryHomefront
is an official Department of Defense Web site dedicated to ensuring quality of life for America’s military families. Use this site if you’re looking for assistance, or to be in touch with the military community at large.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
specifically addresses suicide prevention for military members and their families. For immediate counseling, call the organization at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277).
USA Cares
provides assistance to military families in all branches of service. Visit the "Assistance" section to apply for help in the organization's three main areas: Housing/Mortgage Assistance, Quality of Life and Combat Injured.
MilitaryAvenue.com
supports military families as they move, relocate or travel due to military commitments. The site is divided into sections for each branch of the military. Select the branch that pertains to you to find local services for your state that include information on your new community, installation tips, maps and military discounts.
CinCHouse.com
is derived from “Commander in Chief of the House,” and was established in 1999 by a military wife as a community site to enable military wives to support one another. After 9/11, its mission expanded to become a full-fledged community Web site for military wives and women in uniform.
Military family services within each branch of the military …
Air Force Crossroads
helps members of the U.S. Air Force community find resources for support, employment and education. The organization aims to keep families emotionally and physically healthy and stable through deployment and relocation.
Army Emergency Relief
provides funds to soldiers and their families. Find allotment information, donation resources, scholarship programs and AER locations. The emphasis is on financial support, however, and not on emotional or psychological assistance.
The U.S. Coast Guard
Web site helps families of Coast Guard service members understand their rights and benefits. Find links to health care options, education and scholarship opportunities, and deployment resources, as well as shopping and travel guides for families with specific benefits and budgets.
Marine Corps Community Services
assists Marines and their families through resources that cover essential, everyday needs in addition to financial and emotional assistance. Go to “Family Life” for programs that help support the family unit, such as “Children, Youth and Teen Programs” or “Marine Corps Family Team Building.”
Navy Personnel Command
provides a section for families and retirees on its official Web site. Look for information on spouse support, casualty assistance, retirement activities, the Navy’s alcohol and drug abuse program, and a retirement calculator.
For military families of wounded or fallen veterans …
Fisher House
supports wounded vets by donating “comfort homes” at major military bases and hospitals so that family members can be together during a soldier's hospitalization. Many interesting opportunities for donating or volunteering are available. Go to “Programs” to find out how to be involved, or help build the newest Fisher House, or search for existing houses, under “The Houses” tab.
For military families with legal needs …
American Bar Association
provides legal assistance and advice for military personnel through free, downloadable PDF files. Download PDF discussions of service members’ legal rights, or download the “Legal Readiness Checklist” to make sure that you’re fully prepared for any legal issues that may arise. The best way to find specific legal information on the site is to use the search function.
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