Brighter Holidays for Soldiers Far From Home

November and December are one of the busiest times of the year with one event after another bringing family and friends together. For members of the US military stationed far from home, the holidays can be a lonely and difficult time. You can make the holidays a little brighter for our brave military by sending cards, letters, postcards and care packages. It's easy, inexpensive and will mean so much to the recipients. It's also the perfect holiday project to involve your children in volunteering. Here are four helpful websites to get you started: 

  1. AdoptaPlatoon sends cards, letters and care packages to Troops far from home. The organization also assists military families and coordinates special projects that benefit all branches of the U.S. military as well as military veterans. You'll find information on sending care packages, cards, and letters on the site as well as information on how to participate in their other projects. http://adoptaplatoon.org/site/​
  2. Adopt A US Soldier connects civilians with deployed troops offering channels that encourage communicate and gratitude to the brave men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces. AAUSS is completely volunteer staffed and is active in over 170 countries. Adopt a US Soldier encourages participants to send their soldier a weekly letter or postcard for long term adoption. http://www.adoptaussoldier.org/
  3. A Million Thanks. A Million Thanks is a year-round campaign to show appreciation to the military for their service to our country through letters, emails, cards, and prayers. The organization also grants life wishes and provides higher education scholarships. http://amillionthanks.org
  4. Letters to the Troops (Flags Across the Nation)​. You can download a flag template at the website and have your children color and decorate the flag. Older children and adults can write letters on the back. Once complete, package the letters and mail to the organization who distributes them to troops. www.flagsacrossthenation.org/our-projects/letters-to-the-troops