10 Great Military Organizations to Help during the Holidays

December 23rd, 2009, by danielle@allmilitary.com

Helping veterans and active military personnel and their families when they are in need is important for so many reasons. Military associations and organizations cannot accomplish their missions without the help of countless generous, caring individuals living in America. Every day these organizations make a difference in the lives of men and women who have valiantly served America, as well as each of us. So in return, here are 10 great military organizations to think about helping out this holiday season.

1. Armed Services YMCA of the USA–According to its website, the Armed Services YMCA has enriched the quality of life for junior enlisted military personnel and their families for 145 years by proudly supporting programs for children. ASYMCA is funded through individual donations, corporate contributions and a standing YMCA endowment that pays for its military programs and services in full. Except for contracts for services, ASYMCA receives no funding from the U.S. government. You can donate to ASYMCA online in just a few minutes.

2. Air Force Aid Society–According to its website, the Air Force Aid Society has been the official charity of the United States Air Force since 1942. Since then the organization has supported the Air Force mission by providing worldwide emergency assistance, sponsoring education assistance programs and offering an array of base community enhancement programs that improve the quality of life for Airmen and their families. In 2008, the Air Force Aid Society helped over 45,000 Airmen and their families with over $24.3 million in assistance. The organization accepts various types of donations online.

3. Fallen Patriot Fund– According to its website, the Fallen Patriot Fund was established to help families of U.S. military personnel who were killed or seriously injured during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Fallen Patriot Fund has approved grants in excess of $4,029,053 and has received donations from 48 states, Italy and three provinces in Canada. Volunteers can help ease the suffering of such families by donating online, at any Bank of America branch or my mailing in a printable form.

4. Help Hospitalized Veterans–According to its website, HHV is a national, non-profit organization that was established in 1971 to distribute free therapeutic arts & crafts kits to patients receiving care at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, state nursing homes for veterans and military hospitals. Thanks to generous donations, HHV has become the largest supplier of all arts and crafts kits utilized in VA and military hospitals. Donations may be made online or through the mail.

5. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society–According to its website, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society partners with the Navy and Marine Corps to provide financial, educational and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States, eligible family members and survivors in need. Although the Department of the Navy sponsors the society, it is a non-profit organization whose programs are totally funded by charitable contributions. The society accepts donations in a variety of different payment methods.

6. Operation Gratitude–According to its website, Operation Gratitude organizes care packages addressed to individual soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deployed overseas. Through collection drives, letter writing campaigns and donations of funds for shipping expenses, Operation Gratitude provides civilians anywhere in America a way to express their respect and appreciation to the men and women of the U.S. Military in an active, hands-on manner. The organization is a non-profit, volunteer corporation that is funded entirely by private donations.

7. Paralyzed Veterans of America–According to its website, Paralyzed Veterans of America is a congressionally-chartered veterans service organization that was founded in 1946. Since then it has developed a unique expertise on a wide variety of issues regarding the special needs of veterans of the armed forces who have experienced spinal cord injury or dysfunction. As a leading advocate for health care, the organization advocates for SCI/D research and education, veterans’ benefits and rights, accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers, sports programs, and disability rights. Paralyzed Veterans of America accepts donations online.

8. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors–According to its website, TAPS is a 24/7 tragedy assistance resource for anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one in the military. TAPS provides comfort and care through comprehensive services and programs including peer based emotional support, case work assistance, crisis intervention and grief and trauma resources. Donations to TAPS help continue its mission to comfort, heal and support surviving families of America’s fallen heroes.

9. Veterans’ Families United–According to the website, Veterans’ Families United primarily supports families with military relatives who are recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans’ Families United will provide gentle, accessible and holistic healing resources for veterans and empower veterans and their loved ones throughout the healing process. Financial contributions are needed to support the organization’s initiative to empower veterans and their families throughout the healing process, and the organization also appreciates volunteer services.

10. Wounded Warrior Project–According to its website, the main goal of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. The organization works to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women. It does so by providing unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of severely injured service members. Donations to the Wounded Warrior Project enables the organization to help thousands of wounded warriors returning home from current conflicts, as well as their families.