Are you looking for ways to volunteer for military organizations? Do you want to do more than just give a financial donation?
Here are 9 ways to help our troops that are more than just writing a check. In my view these ideas fall into three categories: giving time, donating items and fundraising.
- Make Paracord Bracelets
- Write Letters
- Pack Care Packages
- Help Beautify Cemetery Grounds of Fallen Heroes
- Participate in a Fundraising Walk/Race
- Knit or Crochet Scarves and Hats
- Host a Blanket or Care Package Drive
- Landscaping Help for Families with Deployed Soldiers
- Host a Fundraising Campaign
Almost all of the ideas require a commitment to giving your time. However, not all require spending money.
This post is all about ways to volunteer for military organizations
Best Ways to Volunteer for Military Organizations
1. Make Paracord Bracelets
The first idea is to make paracord bracelets for Operation Gratitude. These bracelets can save a life in an emergency. They can be used to hang an IV bag from a tree or create a trip line to secure an area. There are many more uses as well.
Check out the Operation Gratitude website for more details. These bracelets are included in each care package that is sent to a deployed trooper or first responder.
It’s so easy and it takes about 5 minutes to make one. Once you get the hang of it, you can easily make them while watching your favorite show. My daughter and I have made hundreds of these and we really enjoyed it.
100 ft of 550 paracord typically will cost anywhere from $9 -$11. A great place to buy is either eBay or Amazon. Each bracelet is made with 7.5 feet of cord. You can make 13 bracelets with 100ft of paracord.
2. Write Letters
This is a relatively inexpensive idea. If you love to write, color, or use stickers, this idea might be a good one for you. If you don’t have stickers or markers, just a pen and paper will do. You don’t have to decorate your handwritten note; a kind sentiment is enough.
The cards should be between 4.25″ x 5.5″ to 5″ x 7″. When you send the card to Operation Gratitude, make sure to just slide the card under the envelope flap. This way the volunteers that sort the cards can easily see if your card is blank or not. Yes, they love blank cards as well! The blank ones are given to service men and women so they can write back to their loved ones.
The military love receiving handwritten notes and cards from from people that are grateful for their service!
3. Pack Care Packages
Many military organizations have care packages that are sent to deployed soldiers or first responders. One such organization is Operation Gratitude. They host packing/assembly events across the country.
Some other great ideas can be found on the Military.com website. They have a long list of different organizations that help with care packages.
4. Help Beautify the Cemetery Grounds of Fallen Heroes
September 11th is the National Day of Service and Remembrance. It is also know as Patriot Day to honor those that died in the terrorist attacks in 2001.
Carry the Load – Instead of focusing on the tragedy, Americans are encouraged to focus on doing good. One way to do that is to help keep cemetery grounds of fallen heroes beautiful. Many organizations have excellent ways to do good on September 11th. If this idea doesn’t sound compelling, just do a Google search on “Patriot Day” and find something good to do.
5. Participate in a Fundraising Walk/ Race
The Wounded Warrior Project has events throughout the year and also welcomes you to create your own event. You could even host a virtual event where you pick the date, time and place.
Carry the Load also hosts events that will honor our heroes year round. They remind us to remember our service men and women and the load they carry every day. You can even create your own event if you cannot attend one of their scheduled events. Check out the Carry it Anywhere page for more details.
6. Knit or Crochet Scarves and Hats
If you are a crafty type of person, this idea might be the one for you. During the winter months, Operation Gratitude loves to receive handmade scarves and hats to include in their care packages to the troops. Of course, you can make them year-round! Even if you have never crocheted or knitted something, you might give this a try. It’s pretty easy, once you get the hang of it.
If you have never knitted or crocheted before, I would recommend to starting with a knitting loom. The round looms are great for hats and scarves, and the straight ones are great for scarves. You can probably knit a hat on a straight loom, but my gut is a round one is better for the hats. Go straight to YouTube if you need a tutorial. The LoomaHat YouTube channel is a great resource. Trust me…you can do this!
7. Host a Blanket or Care Package Drive
Soldier’s Angels – Their mission is to provide aid and comfort to the military, veterans and their families. Purchase or make TWIN blankets to help deployed troops or veterans in hospitals. Consider hosting a blanket making event for more impact. Don’t forget to add a note of gratitude with each blanket!
StackUP – This organization was founded in 2015 and their mission is to bring veterans and grateful supporters together through a shared passion of video gaming. They accept Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One games and consoles. If you love video games and have some that you don’t play anymore, this is a great way to pass it along to a deserving veteran. Check their website to see if there is updated info on the games/consoles they will accept.
8. Landscaping Help for Families with Deployed Soldiers
Project Evergreen – If you love working out in the yard, this is a great idea for you! Project Evergreen is a unique organization that helps families of deployed service troops with the upkeep of their outdoor landscape. If you live in a colder climate, there is a “snow care” option as well. This organization will match you with a family that is nearby. The volunteer service commitments are usually 6-12 months. Volunteers under the age of 18, must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
9. Host a Fundraising Campaign
Last but not least, a fundraising campaign is always a good choice. All of the organizations listed in this post welcome financial donations. Probably the easiest way to go about starting a fundraising campaign is to visit the organization’s website and find the link to start a fundraiser. Another interesting way to raise money is to host a charity stream for Wounded Warriors. Your effort for raising money and awareness for any of these organizations will truly be appreciated and will most definitely make a difference.
This post is all about ways to volunteer for military organizations.
I hope you consider supporting our deployed troops, veterans and first responders. They have sacrificed so much, for so many.
If you have served our United States of America, God bless you and thank you for your service!
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