Adopt a Family For Christmas

Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving, and now the Christmas season is in full swing. Traditions will mark the days, appetizing aromas will fill the house, and busyness will abound. You've made multiple lists for food, cleaning, and shopping. If you're anything like me, you have a list of people with a gift idea next to each (hopefully), and then you purchase said gifts and return half when you come upon something better for that person. Although, since the advent of on-line shopping, this happens to me less frequently.

Many families around the country have trouble with those lists, not because they have no gift ideas or already have the cleanest house on the block but because there isn't enough money to warrant extensive planning. But parents with little in their holiday budget still want to make Christmas magical for their kids.

There are a few organizations in place already to help military families on a tight budget. Read through the links below and consider helping heroes make Christmas magical this year.

Soldiers' Angels

was founded in 2003, and they provide various services for military personnel, their families, and veterans. Last year, Soldiers' Angels provided more than $15 million dollars in aid to more than 360,000 service men and women. They sent care packages to deployed troops, sent food to veterans in need, and adopted families for the holiday season. You can jump on board with any of these projects!

Operation Homefront's mission is to "build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities that they’ve worked so hard to protect." Their mission is a bit broader and helps long after the holidays are over. They assist with bills, auto repair, moving assistance, and vision care. If a wounded veteran needs financial assistance transitioning from hospital to home, they can help with that, too. If it is in your budget, consider making a monthly donation to help those who sacrifice so much.

What is the best part of Christmas? The smell of chocolate chip and sugar cookies baking in the oven? The cards? The tree? Deployed military service men and women would miss the real Christmas tree if it wasn't for the massive amount of volunteers associated with Trees for Troops. Formed in 2005, Trees for Troops has provided more than 100,000 trees to service personnel overseas and also to their families celebrating without them at home. Each $40 donation will provide a live Christmas tree delivered by FedEx in time for Christmas. In years past, there have been more families in need than trees donated; let's change that this year!

There are many ways to celebrate the holidays. There are many worthy causes, and most of us only have a set budget for giving each year. It's understandable that you can't donate everywhere, but please consider helping a military family this year.