Wendy Reinhardt
2019-2020 National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador
Seven Ways to Spread Cheer this Holiday Season
Happy holidays! Happy holidays! May the calendar keep bringing happy holidays to you! November traditionally starts the holiday season and it’s time to start planning ways to brighten what may be an especially difficult time for our deployed service members and their families. Now is the time to start collecting those goodies, treats and non-perishable items to be packed up and shipped to our troops in time for Christmas.
As we renew our spirit during Thanksgiving, share in the celebration of Christmas and festivities for the new year, let us remember those who will not be home for Thanksgiving, Christmas or throughout the holiday season. By working together, we can provide joy to make their days a little merrier and a little brighter. Here are few ideas to help you get started:
- Send care packages to deployed service members. Invite each Auxiliary member to bring a small non-perishable treat or sample size health/beauty item to your next meeting. Pick up a flat rate box (they’re free!) from your local U.S. post office. Fill the box and pay a flat rate for shipping.
- Host holiday and Christmas events for the families of those deployed. Work with Family Readiness Groups to help these families as they share time with others missing family members during the holiday season.
- Give the gift of time. From meals to running errands to conversation and companionship, these gifts can be given to those who could use a helping hand.
- Give Thank You coins and post Resource Rack Cards. These small gestures could make a huge difference in the lives of those who give so much for us.
- Send a holiday greeting card to a deployed service member or hospitalized veteran.
- Collect non-perishable food items, make and deliver food baskets to those in need. Contact local grocery stores as they may donate some items to help your cause.
- At your next Auxiliary meeting, discuss having a Warm the Heart Drive. Collect blankets, gloves, hats, socks and/or warm clothing to give to those in need.
Everything we do for our veterans and their families is important and getting the word out is just important. Here are five ways to communicate with those in your community about fundraisers and item collections:
- Post information to Facebook and other social media sites (Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and ask your friends and followers to share it.
- Place information on your Auxiliary and/or VFW website.
- Include information in your Auxiliary and/or VFW newsletter.
- Send a press release to your local paper.
- Take pictures during fundraiser/item collection and post to them to social media, thanking those who’ve donated; share ways others can still donate and/or help.
Thank you for all you do to ensure our veterans, service members and their families have a happy holiday season!
