This post was sponsored by the USO. All opinions are my own.
We are all in full holiday mode right now. Thanksgiving has passed and now we move onto the many holiday celebrations in December. For some families however, this time of the year is not a time of togetherness and celebration. Many families are spending their holidays with members of their family missing at dinner due to serving in the armed forces.
What We Take For Granted
As I sit here and think about all of the fun holiday plans and traditions we have on the calendar in the coming weeks it hits me. There are many moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends that are missing those traditions all while serving our country. As someone that does not have a family member currently serving I have to be honest, I often take their work for granted. I also take my time with my family during this time of the year for granted.
After working in the non-profit sector for over 10 years I am well aware of the many ways to contribute to those in need and as my kids get older I have decided that we MUST find ways to educate them on how to be philanthropic even as children. The USO is here to help us help those service members feel the festive holiday spirit that they so deserve.
Help The USO Brighten The Holidays For Service Members
This holiday season, hundreds of thousands of service members will remain on duty, away from home. While there are many people who miss Christmas morning or Christmas dinner due to their occupation, the difference is that those people do get to come home at some point. The men and women that are on duty and away from home during the holiday season do not have the option to be late for dinner with the family. The USO understands this burden and better yet, understands how it can feel terrible not being home for the holidays.
The USO asks all military supporters to join in as a Force Behind the Forces® and support its effort to connect service members and their families to home, no matter where they serve. This year, while you enjoy your favorite holiday traditions, pause for a moment to show your support for those who remain on duty, protecting our nation.
How To Help NOW
Did you know that Giving Tuesday is today, December 3rd? I cannot think of a better way to kick off the season of giving by joining in on Giving Tuesday to help support those who are not home for the holidays. Here are easy ways to give a meaningful give this holiday season to help our military heroes.
You can give towards a gift for good through the USO Wishbook at USO.org/Holidays. The USO Wishbook is an online alternative giving catalog that offers donors a way to support the USO by purchasing symbolic gifts for friends and loved ones that help America’s service members and their families.
If you are excited to spread the word of giving please rally others to give via a USO Facebook Fundraiser. Simply host a fundraiser to rally other military supporters to help support our men and women in uniform, and their families, during a time they need us most. To learn more about starting a Facebook Fundraiser for the USO visit, USO.org/facebookfundraiser. As you know, social media is a great place to get people excited to help!
About The USO
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. For over 77 years, the USO has been the nation’s leading organization to serve the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. From the moment they join, through their assignments and deployments, and as they transition back to their communities, the USO is always by their side.
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As you begin to check off those holiday traditions from your calendar I hope that you consider taking some time to help provide the comforts of home to the many service members away from home this holiday season. For the holidays and particularly on Giving Tuesday, let’s give back to the men and women who give up so much.
