There shouldn’t always have to be a specific reason to give to those struggling or less fortunate. One of the greatest things about the human species is their capacity for caring and desire to help others. An estimated 2 million tons of clothing and textiles were recycled or donated to charity in the United States in 2011 alone. Every now and then however everyone needs something of a reminder.
One of the most important groups to help out, especially during the holiday season, are organizations that help military families. Helping military families is one of the most patriotic things you can do as an American and is crucial considering the unemployment rate for veterans in the United States is 2% above the national average for regular citizens. Here are three reasons to think about giving to organizations that help military families today.
- Protection and Service: One of the reasons there are so many different military charities that regularly accept things like clothing donations stems from the fact that these are the people who have decided to spend a portion of their lives serving and protecting the freedoms and security of all Americans. If you can’t find it in your heart to help the people directly responsible for your every day safety, it might be time to rethink your priorities.
- Insufficient Compensation: An estimated 207,000 recent veterans were unable to find work in March of 2013, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. On top of that, most “grunt” level members of the military are not compensated particularly well, especially considering the job they do. Organizations that help military families allow them to afford gifts for their children, which might not be the most important thing in the world, but certainly helps soften the blow of spending Christmas morning knowing daddy is halfway around the world in harms way.
- Alone for the Holidays: While many military members have family to spend holidays with, many do not. By donating to these kinds of organizations you’re sending a message that you care about them and their well-being. These people don’t do what they do for the ‘thank yous,’ but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them to them anyway.
The holidays are generally a time of giving, but of course no one can be expected to give to every charity under the sun. Organizations that help military families should be at the top of your list when it comes to picking out places to make donations for these and other reasons.
