Being a military family can be difficult. They are often required to move around the country frequently. They can go very long periods away from their loved ones. They make a lot of sacrifices and take a lot of risks. Most would agree that military professionals and their families deserve assistance, when needed. There are a variety of ways that you can help out the country and those who sacrifice their lives for the military.
Show your support
It is important to show your support to the men and women that defend our country. It does not matter which political party you side on or your thoughts or opinions on current political issues, supporting the military professionals does not require also supporting the issues at hand. Instead of getting involved in the politics that are often associated with military actions, put your support toward the men, women, and their families. When you see a military on the street, thank them for their service. Thank them for making the daily sacrifices that they make.
Donate unused clothing items
Many military charities benefit from charitable clothing donations. They use these charitable donations in multiple useful ways. The clothing items themselves can be donated to military veterans or family members in need. The donated clothing items can also be sold to raise funding for additional needs, like medical care, housing needs, and vehicles. Helping families in need does not always have to cost you money. You can significantly help out military charities simply by going through your unwanted clothing and household items.
The average American purchases 10 pounds of previously used clothing each year in the United States, making donations an important part of the fundraising process. You can also support your local military charities by shopping at these donation centers. You can often find affordable and high quality clothing and household items. If you have children, this can be a great way to outfit their ever growing bodies for an affordable price. While you benefit from the discounted clothing prices, you are also helping out local military charities.
Arrange a community donation pick up
While most households have unused or unwanted clothing and household items, few actually find the time available for donating them. Arranging a community donation pick up is a great way to increase the amount of donations for military families. Offering to pick up and transport donated items to the local military charities will encourage your neighbors, friends, and church members to go through their items. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 in the United States was a whopping 20.4% in 2012. With these high unemployment rates, it is more important than ever to encourage local military support.
Plan a fundraiser
You could donate additional funds to local military charities, or you could take those intended donated funds and plan a fundraiser, to raise even more funding. Arrange a comedy night, a fundraiser dinner, or entertaining activity night. Encourage people to enter raffles, contests, and to donate money or to make clothing donations. Allow people to exchange donated items in return for free admittance. Encourage local small businesses to donate items for free marketing. This is one of the best ways to increase a small donation amount into an even larger one.
The United States is one of the strongest nations in the world, with a lot of that strength coming from our military professionals. It is important that every American do their part in supporting the U.S. military. You can show your support with a simple thank you. You can also donate unwanted clothing items or household items to help out those military families in need. An estimated 80% of donated clothing in the United States is used by charitable organizations for donation to the needy, and for funding. You can also take a small amount of available funds and turn them into even more with a fundraiser.