“Beginning in 2005, military supporters across America started wearing red on Fridays to show support for the service members who protect our freedoms and way of life around the world. More specifically, it is for service members deployed as RED stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed”.” Our troops, active and retired, deserve our support every day of the year. Below are five organizations that you can donate to in order to help support our military and their families.
Homes For Our Troops
“Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents out of every dollar spent has gone directly to our program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live, and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives.”
Wounded Warrior Project
“More than 52,000 servicemen and women physically injured in recent military conflicts. 500,000 living with invisible wounds, from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder. 320,000 experiencing debilitating brain trauma. Advancements in technology and medicine save lives – but the quality of those lives might be profoundly altered. The numbers speak for themselves, because not every warrior can. With the support of our community of donors and team members, we give a voice to those needs and empower our warriors to begin the journey to recovery.”
National Military Family Association
“NMFA is the voice of military families because, for 50 years, we have proven that we stand behind service members, their spouses, and their children. Our Association is the “go to” source for Administration Officials, Members of Congress, and key decision makers when they want to understand the issues facing our families. They know we have “boots on the ground” with military families and understand better than anyone that “military families serve, too.” Through the support and programs we provide, and our respected voice on Capitol Hill and with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, our Association always looks out for the families who stand behind the uniform and for those who serve.”
Support Our Troops
“Who are we? We are you — the individual Americans who want to do good things for their troops. SupportOurTroops.Org is a 501(c)(3) public purpose charity through which Americans strengthen the morale and well-being of their current military service members and their families. Without you we are an empty vessel. With you we are full of good works and good will for the complete military unit: the soldier, the spouse, the children. Support Our Troops, Inc. provides millions of dollars’ worth of goods and services that range from large scale enterprise-level container shipments to bases and battalions, down to individual soldier support.”
Operation Gratitude
“Every year, Operation Gratitude sends 300,000+ individually addressed Care Packages to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen deployed overseas, to their children left behind, and to First Responders, New Recruits, Veterans, Wounded Heroes, and their Care Givers. Each package contains snacks, hygiene products, entertainment, and handmade items, as well as personal letters of support. Through Collection Drives, Letter Writing Campaigns, Craft Projects, and Care Package Assembly Events, Operation Gratitude provides civilians anywhere in America a way to say “Thank You” through active, hands-on volunteerism.”