As the post-Thanksgiving urge to spend money gives way to Black Friday deals, the grassroots Shop Small Saturday, and the pandemic-friendly Cyber Monday shopping, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to give back. It is actually considered the World’s Biggest Day of Generosity. In Giving Tuesday’s own words:
“GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life. Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give.”
As you consider joining this global movement this year, consider some charities that support military families. In addition to wounded troop services and military social services, below are ten charities that are doing good things in honor of supporting our nation’s military families:
The Armed Services YMCA enhances the lives of military members and their families in spirit, mind, and body through programs relevant to the unique challenges of military life.
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation’s mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of 91 comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay while a loved one is receiving treatment.
Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble mission: to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America\’s fallen and disabled service members.
National Military Family Association
National Military Family Association is the only national organization that for more than 45 years has represented officer and enlisted families of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Service. They help those seeking resources for themselves and combat-weary service members returning home from war with fragile mental health, for optimistic-but-anxious children separated from parents during deployments, for spouses forging ahead with educations to build better lives for their families or to prepare for the unthinkable, for widows seeking information about benefits available to them as they cope with their losses, and for proud parents of single service members.
NVF offers outreach services that provide veterans and families in need with food, clothing, transportation, employment, and other essential resources. The founder of the National Veterans Foundation, Floyd ‘Shad\’ Meshad has been working with Veterans since 1970.
Our Military Kids provides substantial support in the form of grants to the children of National Guard and Military Reserve personnel who are currently deployed overseas, as well as the children of Wounded Warriors in all branches. The grants pay for participation in extracurricular activities and tutoring programs that nurture and sustain children while a parent is away in service to our country or recovering from injury.
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis\’ legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, \”If Not Me, Then Who…\” Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives.
Together, United Through Reading (UTR) unites military families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud.
Wounded Warriors Family Support
Wounded Warriors Family Support provides support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically. Wounded Warriors Family Support improves the quality of life of military families through programs like caregiver respite, family retreats, mobility-equipped vehicles, job training, combat-wounded parking signs, and assistance with unmet needs.
(Be sure to do your own research and due diligence at sites like GuideStar and Charity Navigator to vet charities based on their financial transparency.)
