Supporting our Troops

This Christmas I wanted to do a little more than just send money to the USO like usual, so I started looking for organizations who do practical things for our servicemen and women. Evidently, the list is endless of groups who offer ways to give back and give thanks. A good website with many, many homefront organizations listed is http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/

A great way to send servicemen and women holiday cards is through the Red Cross. Just send your card to:
We Support You During Your Recovery! c/o American Red Cross PO Box 419 Savage, MD 20763-0419

Another great organization I found is www.landstuhlhospitalcareproject.org/ They help support our overseas military hospitals with donations of money or items (practical and healthcare related). Makes me want to go buy undershirts and socks to send them.

One that I have donated to in the past is Operation AC. http://www.operationac.com/ They do so much more than send AC's to the troops in the Middle East. I have donated children's clothing for them to send to an orphanage in Afghanistan, they accept holiday cards for soldiers, provide Christmas trees and space heaters to troops and many other things.

Another good one, not just for the holidays, is http://www.treatfortroops.com/ They have many different care packages you can purchase for the soldier of your choice or one you don't know (they have a list).

Of course, another great option is to send something directly to a soldier serving overseas. This year, a Phi Mu Alumnae from my collegiate chapter is serving in Iraq. Courtney Hall. If you want to send to a specific soldier, but don't know anyone over there, I can send you Courtney's address. I first met Courtney while she was President of our Phi Mu Chapter at University of Houston and was very impressed with her. I've gotten a few emails from her since she has been over there and she greatly appreciates all the support she has received.

There are so many different places where you can help out this holiday season. Wouldn't it be nice if all service men and women received a card or package for Christmas?