Meals
Holiday Meals for Military--Operation Homefront:
https://www.operationhomefront.org/event/list
Eligibility: Active duty, E1-E6 or post 9/11 wounded, ill or injured, all ranks. Several dates and locations beginning in November through December.
Soldiers Angels Food Distribution Events
https://www.soldiersangels.org/event-calendar.html
Soldiers’ Angels provides an easy, no-cost way for Atlanta veterans in-need to receive food assistance. Volunteers pack bags of groceries and load them into cars, pushcarts, or backpacks of registered veterans. This monthly event provides food support to over 200 veterans and their families.
Decatur, Georgia
Dates: January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, May 21, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, November 19, December 17
Location: Atlanta VA Arcadia Clinic, 250 North Arcadia Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030
Charleston, South Carolina.
This event occurs the second Tuesday of every month: January 12, February 9, March 9, April 20, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14
Location: Elks Lodge, 1113 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407
Denver, Colorado
Dates: January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 12, December 10
Location: Elks Lodge, 3690 S. Jason Street, Englewood, CO 80110
Detroit, Michigan
This event occurs on the second Thursday of every month: January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9
Location: American Legion, Joe Louis Post 375, 19486 Sherwood St. Detroit, MI 48234 19486 Sherwood St, Detroit
Orlando, Florida
This event occurs on the third Friday of every month: January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
Location: Elks Lodge #1079 (Parking Lot), 12 N. Primrose Ave., Orlando, Florida 32803
San Antonio
This event occurs on the third Thursday of every month: January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16
Location: Cowboys Dancehall, 3030 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78218
Thanksgiving/Christmas Day Meal and Gifts---Christian Center of Fort Worth
On Thanksgiving Day from 11:00 AM until 1:00 we serve a free lunch. Free groceries are also distributed.
On Christmas Day from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM we serve a free luncheon. The day begins with Mr. And Mrs. Santa Clause arriving on a Haltom City Fire Truck. Once in place, they give out free gifts to every child in attendance. We also offer free groceries, clothing and winter coats.
TOYS/GOODS/GIFT PACKAGES, TRAVEL, ETC
Full Circle Home
https://www.fullcirclehome.org
A 100% volunteer not-for-profit organization that connects deployed service members with their loved ones across the country and on bases around the world. Since 2007, Full Circle Home has helped over 17,000 troops send their holiday gifts and love notes to their Heroes at Home. The simple act of giving a gift with a handwritten note can bridge the gap between our troops and those who support them. The troops share with us how deserving their loved ones are. These gift country. This connection provides encouragement and support for both those at home and those overseas because the whole family is affected by a deployment.
USO Holiday Care Packages (for Active Duty and families)
https://www.uso.org/programs/uso-care-package-program
****USO COVID-19 Response*** Effective immediately, the USO is prioritizing the delivery of USO Care Packages to those service members who have been activated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the United States and overseas. USO Care Packages – primarily, Snack Packs and Toiletry Packs with hygiene essentials – have already been sent to bases and military installations, and the USO will continue to adjust to this rapidly changing situation, delivering USO Care Packages as needed. These kits will provide invaluable support to service members who are working on the front lines of the pandemic as the military continues its global COVID-19 support efforts. All Holiday Care Packages contain items like decorations, themed snacks, games, movies, and sporting equipment. Each box is intended to support about 50 people at remote locations, who do not have access to MWR or other USO facilities.
Operation Christmas Spirit
https://www.operationhelpahero.org/operation-christmas-spirit.html
Operation Help a Hero's annual holiday project: Operation Enduring Support Afghanistan Response. Operation help a hero supports military families in the form of holiday gratitude.
Spirit of Sharing (SOS)
is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to helping military families in need during the holiday season and throughout the year with emergency assistance. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ONLY.
Operation Holiday Joy
https://www.asymca.org/donate-operation-holiday-joy
is a YMCA based program distributing toys and goods nationwide.
Freedom Alliance- Presents for Patriots
Christmas is a beautiful, but stressful, season for many in our Armed Forces. We help by providing gifts to the children of military families who are struggling with combat wounds and service-related injuries. We help the families of wounded troops make Christmas a joyous time with a message of appreciation for their service and sacrifice.
Soldiers Angels Adopt-a-Family for Christmas
https://soldiersangels.org/adopt-a-family
Military and veteran families usually live on a very tight budget, so putting together a Christmas or other winter holiday celebration can be a real challenge for some of them—Soldiers' Angels is already hearing from hundreds of families who could use a bit of help celebrating this year.The goal in helping these military/veteran families is to show America's gratitude with presents for the children and a grocery gift card to help them purchase their holiday dinner and trimmings.
Toys for Tots
https://www.toysfortots.org/request_toys
The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The program is for all children, including military kids.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Program
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/brighten-the-holidays/
Trees for Troops
https://www.christmasspiritfoundation.org
Delivering the spirit of Christmas to military families one Christmas Tree at a time.
Vets Charity Christmas Ride
https://www.vetsride.org/theride.aspx
Drop off points all over South Carolina, destination is Vorn VAMC in Columbia.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Active and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and participating members of the National Guard or Reserve, may purchase discounted Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets for special military priced event nights. They may also purchase additional tickets for up to five (5) family members and/or friends.
Operation Ride Home
https://www.asymca.org/operation-ride-home
A service available to active duty E-5 and below, both single and married, who might not otherwise financially be able to travel home. The ASYMCA works with the various military commands in specific areas co-located with ASYMCA branches to identify and prioritize junior-enlisted service members and families most in financial need. Plane tickets and pre-paid debit cards are given to assist those traveling.
Emotional Support/Outreach/No Cost Mental Health Care
Elks Club—nationwide
https://www.elks.org/vets/adoptaveteran.cfm
Elks volunteers can support local veterans by participating in the Adopt-a-Veterans Program and providing friendship and assistance.
American Legion Family Support Network
https://www.legion.org/familysupport
—nationwide—call 800-504-4098
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
https://iava.org/one-on-one-support
—nationwide---multiple supportive and case management services.
Homecoming for Veterans
https://homecoming4veterans.org
The EEG Institute, a world leader in neurofeedback research and training, and Homecoming for Veterans is offering this cutting-edge treatment, at no cost, for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through a network of clinicians nationwide.
Mission Reconnect
is an evidence-based program of mind and body therapies for use by Veterans and their partners to support physical, mental and relationship health. Online program for veterans with PTSD, cost is $20 lifetime.
Give an Hour
A national network of volunteer providers capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions. Provides free and confidential mental health care to military members, veterans and families.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, Veterans press 1.
Hope for the Warriors
https://hopeforthewarriers.org
Hope For The Warriors’ Caregiver Support Services are available to military and veteran caregivers of post-9/11 service members or veterans that have been physically or psychologically wounded. You are considered a caregiver if you provide physical care and/or emotional support to a wounded warrior. Caregivers can include spouses, parents, children, partners, siblings, and friends.
- Caregiver Support Group on Facebook– a private, invitation-only support group where caregivers can build relationships and receive support and advice from one another. Hope For The Warriors hosts the group, which is moderated by a staff of caregivers who ensure that participants abide by the group’s guidelines to keep messages positive and continue to support empowerment. Individuals who are interested in joining this caregiver support group should register for Hope For The Warriors’ services.
- Caregiver Online Support Group– This caregiver support group operates on a secured on-line platform and is facilitated by a caregiver who is on staff at Hope For The Warriors.® This on-line support group is available to all participants of the Facebook Caregiver Support Group.
- Military and Veteran Caregiver Wellness Workshops– These Caregiver Wellness focus on providing support to caregivers, encouraging the caregivers to care for themselves mentally and physically, and fostering relationships with other caregivers in their area. Hope For The Warriors® clinical staff provides programming in art therapy, applied theatre, yoga therapy, supportive counseling, and caregiver/peer mentorship. Currently, these Caregiver Wellness Workshops are held in Northern Virginia, Tampa/Sarasota, Long Island, and soon to come – Houston.
Psychological Health Resource Center
http://www.pdhealth.mil/resource-center/call-centers/psychological-health-resource-center
Whether you are a service member, a family member or a clinician, the Psychological Health Resource Center is there for you. A trusted source of psychological health information and resources. Customized responses to your specific questions and needs. If we can’t answer your question, we will connect you to someone who can. Professional health resource consultants with expertise in psychological health who understand military culture. Available 24/7 by phone, online chat, or email. Free!
InTransition
https://www.pdhealth.mil/resource-center/intransition
(Active duty separating/retiring/PCS up to one year after separation). InTransition is a free, voluntary program with coaches who provide psychological health care support to service members, veterans and their health care providers during times of transition. Service members can call to self-enroll 24/7.
Childcare/Babysitting/Petsitting/Companion Care
Sittercity
Sittercity.com is a year round resource offering substantial discounts to both Active Duty and veterans. Connects military and veteran families with qualified and safe child care providers, petsitters and companion care. Military families can get a free premium membership paid by for by Defense Department and offered through Military OneSource.
Care.com
Offers a year-round resource offering substantial discounts to both Active Duty and veterans. Connects military and veteran families with qualified and safe childcare providers, pet sitters and companion care. They offer a 25% off military discount off of subscriptions of your choice. They also have a partnership with ASYMCA so that ASYMCA members will receive a 90-day premium membership to Care.com. Enter code, “militaryfamily25”.
Year-Round Financial Assistance
American Legion (must be a member)
Financial assistance for children of $1500 (TFA Program)---does not have to be repaid. The minor child must not be older than 17, or 20 if still enrolled in high school or is physically handicapped. The minor child must be the biological child, stepchild, or in the legal custody of, a qualifying veteran. A qualifying veteran is defined as a member of the United States Armed Forces serving on federal orders current under Title 10 of the United States Code, inclusive of all components, OR any veteran possessing an up-to-date membership in The American Legion. Active-duty applicants can be considered without being a member of The American Legion. A single onetime non-repayable Temporary Financial Assistance grant of up to $1,500 will be permitted for the minor child(ren) of a qualifying veteran.
VFW Unmet Needs
https://www.vfw.org/unmetneeds
Unmet Needs is there to help America's military families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial aid of up to $1,500 to assist with basic life needs in the form of a grant -not a loan- so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, we pay the creditor directly. 1-866-789-6333
Salvation Army Financial Assistance Program
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/brighten-the-holidays/
United Way 2-1-1 Program
Provides help navigating the extensive benefits and services available to veterans, including health care support, financial assistance and counseling, legal assistance, and educational support. We can put you in touch with agencies that can help you and your family relocate to a new city or a new home, cope with the stress and logistics of a deployment, or transition back into civilian life.
USACARES
http://www.usacares.org/programs
Apply for emergency financial assistance and post service skills training for long-term stability and growth.
Operation Once in a Lifetime
https://operationonceinalifetime.com
Operation Once in a Lifetime’s mission is to make the dreams of U.S. Soldiers and their families come true by providing free financial and morale support to U.S Service members, their families, and veterans regardless of rank, deployment, physical condition or branch or service.
