Thanksgiving, as the name says, is all about giving thanks and being grateful. And this time of year is perfect for letting members of the military know how much you appreciate their service.
Whether or not you have a friend or family member serving in the military, there are ways that you can get involved and say thanks to those who are serving our country. By giving back, you can brighten the holidays of military men and women this Thanksgiving.
Host a Meal Through Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meals for the Military program provides everything a military family needs to have the perfect Thanksgiving feast. When you make a donation to this 10-year-old program, you’re helping put a complete traditional meal on the table: turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing and vegetables.
Adopt a Service Member
If you live near a military base, why not invite a soldier (or two) to join your family for your Thanksgiving meal? Most bases offer a program that connects you with soldiers who are far away from family and friends and who would prefer not to spend a military Thanksgiving alone. A home-cooked dinner and a day spent with a caring family can do wonders for a soldier living hundreds of miles away from home.
Send a Care Package
You can send care packages to soldiers throughout the year thanks to AnySoldier.com. Even if you don’t personally know a military service member, this site connects you with one and tells you what to send and where to send it.
Add a Thanksgiving touch to your package by including seasonal non-perishables like turkey jerky, pumpkin seeds, or packets of instant hot apple cider. Visit your local post office and ask for a Military Care Kit, and you’ll get a free kit with everything you need to send your package on its way. That includes a box for shipping, customs forms, shipping labels, and even shipping tape. You’ll be lifting a soldier’s spirits in ways you may not even realize.
One more way you can show your support for military men and women this Thanksgiving is to make a donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation. This 501(c)(3) program, which CORT Furniture Rental has supported for many years, provides educational scholarships to the children of service members who were killed or disabled in the line of duty. Donating to this foundation can make a lasting difference in the lives of their children.
