This post was sponsored by the USO. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the companies that keep this blog alive!
Growing up as a military child, I’ve had to deal with the void that comes when your dad is deployed during the holidays and the anxiety that comes right along with it. But what helped me get me through those tough years were my family (duh, they are rockstars!) and the USO. They allowed my dad to stay connected to his family back home in the US and provided me the comfort of hearing his voice on a regular basis. I can only imagine how my dad must’ve felt being deployed overseas and away from his family for months at a time.
During the holiday season, it’s so easy to get caught up in all of the sales and to feel tempted to spend, spend, spend. But if you have some extra cash this holiday season, why not consider sharing the holiday cheer with the troops and their families? Hundreds of thousands of service members will remain on duty away from home and will have to miss precious moments with their families. I encourage you this holiday season to think of them and to give back the gift of home (even the smallest reminders help!).
WAYS TO GIVE BACK TO THE TROOPS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Donate towards a gift with the USO Wishbook
The USO Wishbook is an online alternative giving catalog that provides supporters a way to support the troops by purchasing different gifts for friends and loved ones that help our service members and their families. On the website, there is a ton of options to choose from including sending comfort food packages, phone calls home, care packages, and holiday meals. By donating to the USO Wishbook, you would be helping to deliver the comforts of home to service members around the world.
Write a Letter to the Troops
Do you enjoy writing down your thanks and appreciation on paper? Then writing an appreciation letter to the troops is the perfect way for you and your kiddos (if you have any!) to support the troops this holiday season. Operation Gratitude sends care packages and letters to the troops all year around and I heard that the letters are the most appreciated out of the entire package.
Host a fundraiser with the USO Facebook Fundraiser
Have a special occasion coming up like a wedding, birthday, or Christmas? Help celebrate it by hosting a USO Facebook Fundraiser to raise money for the service members and their families during a time when they need it to the most! The USO is a nonprofit organization that supports the troops and their families in so many different ways such as providing programs that allowed deployed parents to read their children bedtime stories to helping connect spouses to employers. Every donation (small or large) counts and truly makes a difference!
Volunteer to support the troops
Are you a more hands-on type of person? Do you want to see the faces of the people that you help? Perfection! Set up a time during the holiday season to volunteer with the USO. From working the front desk to helping at special events, there are dozens of ways that you can use your skills to help our armed forces and their families. Sign up with the USO to find an opportunity that is perfect for you.
Donate a Cell Phone or Other Technology
Are you getting a new phone or new piece of technology this Christmas? Before you stash your old phone into your closet to never be seen again or throw it away in the trash, take a few minutes to donate your old electronics to the soldiers in need. Cell Phones for Soldiers takes any and all cell phones, even if they are broken and outdated (the proceeds from recycling them will be donated to the troops), and other electronics such as tablets and MP3 players. The money from the donated phones are used to send prepaid international phone cards to the troops so that they can call home 24/7.
How do you like to give back this holiday season?
