Michelle Obama addressed military moms and children at Mother’s Day Tea at the White House on Sunday, May 11. After honoring women of all kinds — including active military members, veterans, military spouses, and military mothers and grandmothers, Obama took a moment to remind their kids to eat their vegetables. One kid would not have it. “What about chicken?” the little boy chimed in. The first lady confirmed that yes, the outspoken child could eat chicken.
The event highlighted a troubling lack of similar motions to help military spouses and children. The government is not the only one who capable of helping military families, however. Average Americans can easily support military families — even if they’re on a budget. Here’s how:
Donate Clothing Directly From Your Home
Some charities collect clothing donations right from your home. These organization will actually drive to your apartment or house and pick up clothing donations and/or any other donated items. Other, related charities establish communal pickup locations, picking up items in libraries, schools, grocery stores, office buildings, and churches.
Get Everyone In On It
Don’t go it alone. One of the easiest ways to support our troops — and their families! — to get everyone in on it. Ask friends, family, and neighbors to join you to organize a community event, benefiting soldiers, soldiers’ families, and/or veterans. Pancake breakfasts, barbecues, and/or potluck dinners are all great ways to collect small donations, treat military families, and make it a group effort.
Know All Of The Ways That You Can Help
If you want to help, do it. If you know a military husband or wife personally, don’t wait for them to ask you for help. Instead, proactively offer to babysit for the night — or anything else they might need. You can also sign online to browse military families’ requests for help and choose one that you are able to fulfill.
Support our troops, by helping military families. Put together a community event, donate items such as clothing, or log online to research the ways you can help. More info like this: www.purpleheartpickup.org