Organizations that Help Military (WW, deployed AND stateside)

There are some wonderful organizations out there.  I previously profiled a couple of groups that specifically help our wounded warriors, but there are groups that help the wounded, deployed and stateside service members, and they deserve a shout out as well.  If you have a few extra pennies, these organizations are wonderful and a lot of the donations are tax deductible.  If you are looking for a way to help, check out the following and see if something appeals to you!  Depending on which group, the following want donations, care packages, volunteers, cards, letters, as well as many other contributions.

Adopt a Solider - One great organization is headed by Alan Krutchkoff.   This group adopts platoons who are deployed and sends care packages.  They even recently made a visit to Kuwait and brought Christmas trees, packages, and Washington Red Skins cheerleaders.  Alan and company has also been to visit Derek and arranged to have him sent some goodies from sports teams and his favorite people (i.e. Chuck Lidell).  http://adoptasoldierplatoon.org/

Soldiers Angels - This group supports all branches of the military.  They provide aid and comfort to deployed, stateside and wounded warriors.  They have blankets, canes, baked goods, care packages, etc.  SA even brought Derek a computer!  It's a really nice one, too.  http://www.soldiersangels.org/

Hugs for Heroes - This group sends care packages to our deployed military.  Their packages contain enough items for everyone in the unit, and according to their website, they have shipped more than 8 tons of goods!  http://www.hugsforheroes.org/

USO - The USO has been around for generations, providing support and encouragement to our men and women in uniform, deployed, stateside and wounded.  http://www.uso.org/

Our Military Kids - This wonderful group concentrates on our children.  Children of deployed reservists and wounded warriors are given grants (sports, fine arts, camps and tutoring), care packages, and support while they deal with either a parent who is away or a parent who has been wounded.  http://www.ourmilitarykids.org/

Tunnel to Towers - This group is near and dear to my heart.  This is based on the firefighter who ran through the tunnel to get to the World Trade Center on 9/11.  Each year they sponsor a run that copies what Stephen Siller did on that fateful day.  They are now building homes for quad and triple amputees.  http://www.tunneltotowersrun.org/

Gary Sinise - His foundation helps vets and first responders.  http://www.garysinisefoundation.org/

Operation Gratitude - Care packages for deployed!  http://www.facebook.com/OperationGratitude
 
The following website lists many other groups and organizations.  If you have a little extra time and/or money, check this out.  http://troopssupport.com/

There are so many more out there.  If you really want to help, it will be appreciated.

I hope you were able to find something that appeals to you.

God bless!  Climb to glory!