Three Easy Ways to Support Our Troops

Kids are brightening up soldiers’ days with adorable — and often unintentionally hilarious — letters. “Thank you for fighting for our country. I love the color camo. I am nine. Why did you want to go to the military? Thank you for dieing [sic] for our country. I love American flags. Do you ever stop working?” one such letter begins.

Adults can learn a thing or two from these letters. School children make it perfectly clear: helping military families, active military members, and/or veterans does not necessarily have to entail a large time commitment or over-the-top expenses. Here are some ways to support our troops (in relatively little time and without spending an inordinate amount of money!):

Gift Creative Coupons

For some, asking for help can be awkward and humiliating. Take the burden off military husbands and wives’ shoulders by proactively offering to help. Draw up creative coupons good for “two hours of lawn mowing,” “one night of babysitting,” or “three hours of help with errands,” one military mom suggests. Put the coupons into a gift basket, and give the basket to military spouses on birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.

Donate Clothes Right From Your Home

If you are really pressed for time and cash, you can still support our troops! There are plenty of charities that will pick up donations directly from your home. Gather clothing donations during spring cleaning, and donate without even leaving home. You can also research communal donation locations, such as churches, office buildings, and schools.

Get Your Neighbors, Friends, and Family In On It

Don’t go it alone! Donating or organizing charity events on your own can easily become overwhelming. Organize group events, and ask as many people as possible — including neighbors, family, and friends — to contribute. Throw together a spring barbecue or a potluck dinner benefiting soldiers or their families, for example.

Giving back to our troops does not have to be costly or time-consuming. Get your friends in on it, volunteer to help military spouses with simple errands, or choose from charities that will pick up donations right from your home.