Peace on Earth, Good Will Towards Men

Peace on Earth,

Good Will Towards Men

Each holiday season, we are reminded of sacrificial love and the joy of giving. Remembering the distinct sacrifices and challenges faced by the men and women who serve in this nation’s military – the frequent relocations, extended periods of separation from families, the strain of deployment, even the possibility of putting their lives on the line – we would like to dedicate this month’s blog to highlighting organizations who serve those who faithfully serve us.

The folks listed here make the season brighter for those who serve our country in numerous and varied ways, for example, by sending care packages for the deployed, providing festive trees back at home, offering gifts or financial assistance, bringing in meals, helping to organize events, and so much more. If you like what you see and would like to volunteer with any of these organizations, head to the “Get Involved” section located at the end of the blog to reach their volunteer pages.

From our family to yours, Military No Stress PCS would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, the Happiest of Holidays, and a New Year filled with joy and expectation.

Gift Assistance

Are you a military family in need of gifts or financial support this holiday season? We’ve compiled a list of organizations that provide for the holidays. These links offer opportunities for you and yours to receive gifts that embody the warmth of the season.

• Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit committed to sending care packages to deployed troops, veterans, and their families. Families can volunteer with the organization or request a care-package for their loved ones.Top of Form

If you’d like to request a package, please click here.

• Soldiers’ Angels is dedicated to supporting active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. They offer various programs from Adopt-A-Family, to sending care-packages, to organizing events like virtual baby showers. You can register for gifts here.
  • Toys for Tots is a program by the United States Marine Corps Reserve that brings joy to children during the holiday season. They collect new, unwrapped toys, and distribute them to children in need. Request toys here.
  • Operation Homefront focuses on supporting military families through their Holiday Toy Drive. Create an account to register for gifts here. They offer other programs such as Critical Financial Assistance, Transitional Housing, and Back-to-School Brigade.
• Trees for Troops is an organization that spreads holiday cheer and expresses gratitude to service members and their families by delivering fresh, farm-grown Christmas trees to military families across the United States. Find out where you can get your tree here.

Holiday Meals

Military service members may find themselves far from their families during the holiday season, but there are resources available to ensure they don’t spend the holidays alone. These organizations work to connect armed service personnel with volunteers who will provide dinners, or even host them at their own!

• Operation Homefront: Holiday Meals – Create an account here.
• Soldiers’ Angels – food donation pick up:

1. Dallas, Texas
2. Atlanta, Georgia
3. Charleston, South Carolina
4. Denver, Colorado
5. Detroit, Michigan
6. Orlando, Florida
7. San Antonio, Texas
   • The American Legion, and other Veterans Service Organizations, have outreach programs that extend support to Veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families, such as free meals during the holidays. Find an American Legion Post near you to learn more.
   • You can also check with local community centers, churches, and civic organizations for events specifically designed for military personnel and/or their families. Many communities organize gatherings and activities to bring everyone together.

Financial Assistance

Each branch of the military has its own programs for financial assistance, counseling services, and other helpful resources. Contact your local installation for more information. Below is a list of other resources that can help alleviate the financial strain that often accompanies the gift-buying season.

• Red Cross
• Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)
• Blue Star Families
• Operation Homefront

Get Involved

Did a specific organization catch your eye? Use the links below to find out how you can volunteer your time or donate to the cause!

• Operation Gratitude: volunteer or make a donation.
• Soldier’s Angels: adopt a family or donate.
• Operation Homefront: volunteer, give, or see their urgent needs.
• Toys for Tots: volunteer or make a donation.
• Trees for Troops: get involved and donate a tree.
• Pay away the layaway: pay off someone’s layaway.
• ASYMCA: make a donation.

Emotional Support

As we wrap up our festive journey of giving, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the importance of supporting one another. This season can bring a mix of emotions. If you or someone you know is struggling with more than they can handle in the moment, the Veterans Crisis Line provides an immediate link to professional counseling support any time day or night. Just call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.  Or call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) deputy or officer.

Let’s make a concerted effort to ensure that no military service member or their family member feels alone or unsupported this holiday season.  Remember that a smile or a friendly chat can make all the difference for someone who feels alone or is missing loved ones. Simple kindnesses or a good word can bring comfort and cheer. Together, we can express our appreciation for our nation’s servicemen and women and offer them the support they deserve.