How can you help a veteran? Easy, inexpensive or free ways
Recently, Parade Magazine had an article on how to help veterans in easy ways that are not expensive. I decided to try all the links before I shared them with you and these are the ones that are my favorites:
Homes For Our Troops constructs homes for severely injured vets who served after 9/11. Make a cash or equipment donation.
The Disabled American Veterans provides free transportation to men and women unable to travel to the VA for medical purposes. You can volunteer to drive a DAV van for those in need.
I have a particular soft spot for Guardian Angels for Soldiers’ Pet, where you can foster care for a soldier’s pet while they serve our country or while they are receiving medical treatment.
Do you know a veteran with a story from the front line? The Library of Congress wants to hear his or her voice. Their website provides tips on how to record interviews. Request a field kit and release forms.
You probably have one or two old cell phones in a drawer somewhere. Why not donate them to Cell Phones for Soldiers? For each phone you donate, this organization will send the phone and donate one hour of talk time for the service member overseas who receives it.
How about donating used DVDs for our military and their families? DVDs4Vets is a national organization that distributes your donations where they are needed.
Contact Operation Gratitude to donate or participate in a holiday drive. These are grand efforts to collect clothing, food and more into gift boxes. You can also help sort them on site. Speaking of gifts:
We’ve all heard about care packages, but how do you get involved? Through the Kitchen Table Gang you can get a service member’s address then bundle up and mail to them a much needed care package. Include a note thanking them for their service! To me, this in a complete no brainer for the holidays.
Not sure how your particular skill could be used as a volunteer? Contact MilServe so they can connect you as a volunteer with the many areas in need of help like financial counseling, legal services, wheelchair ramps, carpentry, job search guidance and other areas where you can apply your skills.
As a former Big Sister myself, it’s great to hear that the BBBS has a Military Mentoring program. This organization is a wonderful way to commit longer term and help directly within a military family.
And today I will remind you all that one of the most majestic places in America is Arlington National Cemetery. If you’ve been there, you already know. If you have not, make a trip and see this very special resting place. The photo I took above could never begin to show the acre upon acre of gravestone markers. To say it’s humbling does not cover it.
Happy Veterans Day – your service is not forgotten and is appreciated.
And now we have extra cool ways to give back!
There are some great ideas among the links. Thank you for sharing. Thanks to all veterans for your service to our country.
Great ideas! Thanks so much!