Minnesota Veteran - Holiday Season

Resources available during the holiday season for military, veterans and families.

First Lady Mary Pawlenty’s Military Family Care Initiative

To help support Minnesota's military families, the First Lady created the Military Family Care Initiative, a program that allows community organizations to volunteer their time and services to help families of deployed soldiers.

www.firstlady.state.mn.us/initiatives_militaryfamily.html

AAFES Gift Certificates

Send a “Gifts from the HomeFront” gift to an individual military family member, friend or loved one. They can use it for the Exchange Catalog and Exchange Online Store purchases, and at any AAFES retail and food facilities around the world including those supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

www.aafes.com/docs/homefront.htm

Adopt-a-Platoon

Founded in 1998 by volunteer mothers to ensure that deployed United States service members in all branches of the military are not forgotten by providing needed mail support and special holiday projects.

www.adoptaplatoon.org

Cell Phones for Soldiers

Through generous donations and the recycling of used cell phones from drop-off sites across the country, this organization has already distributed thousands of calling cards to soldiers in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan.

www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

Give 2TheTroops

These patriotic volunteers ensure that deployed U.S. military members in all branches of service are supported with letters and care packages.

www.give2thetroops.org

Marines Toys For Tots

Through the gift of a shiny new toy, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children who might otherwise be overlooked this holiday season. Sponsor a toy and give a child recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime.

This year marks the 60th anniversary for the Toys for Tots tradition of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. In 2006, Toys for Tots delivered more than 19.2 million toys to over 7.6 million children. Unfortunately, with over 13 million children living in poverty, Toys for Tots needs your help more than ever to achieve our goal of delivering a toy to every child in need. Your cash donations will help the Marines buy toys in bulk at deeply discounted prices. These cash donations allow Toys for Tots to better ensure children receive both age and gender appropriate toys.

Help Toys for Tots deliver a toy to every child this holiday season. If you would like to donate visit their website. You can make a donation by clicking the “Sponsor a Toy” link at the top of the page. Donations are 100% tax deductible. Please also consider clicking the "Spread the Word" link after completing your donation and encourage your friends and family to support Toys for Tots.

www.toysfortots.org

Operation Ensuring Christmas

Provides financial, moral and rehabilitative support to the Children of Fallen American Troops by providing them Christmas gift cards during the holiday and a‘Christmas in July” VIP theme park vacation in Orlando, Florida.

www.operationfamilyfund.org

Trees for Troops

In 2005, the Christmas Spirit Foundation (CSF) and FedEx delivered 4,300 real Christmas trees to military families. Nearly 12,000 troops and their families received trees at 25 bases and in 17 countries, in 2006. The program reaches those serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard. Christmas tree farmers and FedEx are donating trees and transportation to say “Thank You” to our troops and to make their holidays a little brighter. Help share the spirit! People have asked how they can help. Consumers can help by purchasing additional trees or by making a donation to help cover other costs of the program.

www.treesfortroops.org