Over the Holidays, Remember to Support Your Troops
By Vanessa Puig
If you’re looking for ways to help our troops that surpass buying a bracelet or ribbon, look no further than the following resources to make a difference.
Operation Uplink.org – Being deployed or hospitalized on the other side of the world makes it difficult for military personnel to keep in touch with their loved ones back home. Donations to Operation Uplink provide free pre-paid phone cards to troops so they can stay in contact with family and friends. You can also donate your old cell phones to help pay for calling cards by visiting CellPhonesForSoldiers.com.
VA.gov – The war may be thousands of miles away, but there is plenty that can be done right from home. Volunteer at a Veterans’ hospital or clinic and help men and women who have already served their country. Search the Veteran Affairs Web site for the facility nearest you.
Books for Soldiers.com – Don’t toss or resell your old books, CDs and DVDs. Send them to soldiers who would appreciate them in their downtime. Books for Soldiers allows you to log on to an online forum, meet a troop requesting care packages, and send them materials. (The Department of Defense no longer allows supporters to send care packages addressed to “any soldier” for security reasons. Check out the Web site to contact troops directly and get their mailing information.)
Hero Miles.org – If you have unused frequent flyer miles lying around, donate some to soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan to fly home for free. Miles also go toward the families of wounded service members so they can visit loved ones who are transferred to military hospitals.
Net Pets.org – Animal lovers can actually help the troops by becoming “foster parents” to the pets of deployed service members until they return. Register as a caretaker and provide a loving home for even the littlest family members a soldier may have.
Red Cross.org – The American Red Cross provides aid to 1.4 million active duty soldiers and their families by providing emergency communication and travel for military personnel and their loved ones, social services, financial assistance and mental health support for returning troops. You can earmark your donation specifically for “Service to the Armed Forces.”
Operation Give.org – You can provide support not only for our troops, but for the civilians of war-ravaged regions. The military provides humanitarian aid to Iraqi children with donated toys, school supplies, dental hygiene products and other goods to help rebuild and connect with communities.
A Million Thanks.org – Sometimes, the simplest things mean the most. Write a letter to soldier and mail it at a drop-off location (search the website for the nearest location to you). Let someone know, even if they’re a complete stranger, that you care and hope for their safe return.
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