Jeanette Garcia
2016-2017 National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador
Veterans & Family Support: Six Ways to Add Joy to the Lives of Veterans and Their Families This Holiday Season
It’s already the end of October; another year is flying by. The holidays are right around the corner and it’s time to start planning ways to brighten what may be an especially difficult time for veterans and their families. Here are six ways to add joy to the lives of veterans and their families this holiday season:
- Host a free holiday luncheon or dinner for veterans and their families. Share information about Veterans & Family Support and all the VFW and Auxiliary programs and services they have access to.
- Visit a VA hospital, nursing home or other medical facility. Make goody bags and include items such as notebooks and pens/pencils (they could even be holiday themed) so they can write letters to their family and friends; goodies such as cookies, granola bars and pretzels; a deck of cards; and crossword puzzle books.
- Have children of all ages write letters and sign cards thanking veterans for their service and letting them know they’re thinking of them this holiday season.
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter and help serve a warm lunch and dinner for those less fortunate.
- Collect non-perishable food items and 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 Special Holiday Warmth Project. Collect blankets, gloves, hats, socks and/or warm clothing to give to those in need.
It’s important veterans and their families know we are here to support them, but it’s also important to get the word out to those who want to help veterans and their families during the holiday season. 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 the fundraiser/item collection and post to them social media, thanking those who’ve donated; share ways others can still donate and/or help.
I hope you all take the time to do something special for veterans and their families this holiday season. Your kindness and generosity will be remembered and appreciated.
