9 VETERANS THANKSGIVING RESOURCES TO CHECK OUT
Thanksgiving is always an enjoyable time filled with food, family, and friends, but it’s important to honor those who have served our country, especially if they don’t have a strong support system. Continue reading to find out about the different benefits and Veterans Thanksgiving resources available this holiday season. Suggested read:Get 15% Off Activewear With the Lululemon Military Discount
Veterans Thanksgiving Resources That Give Back to Our Heroes
1. On-Base Military Feasts
Many military bases hold a Thanksgiving feast, and Veterans are encouraged to come, as the military wants to make sure everyone is with company. While the meals aren’t free of cost, they’re very affordable. On top of that, Veterans can bring guests with them.
2. Local Thanksgiving Dinners
There are national and local Veterans service organizations that provide a Veterans Thanksgiving dinner, along with other services.
3. The VFW
Veterans who were involved in Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts can enjoy free meals courtesy of their local post. In some communities, you need to be a Veteran to visit a post, but others provide meals to anyone in need.
4. Operation Homefront/Holiday Meals for Military
Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that serves to help military families and Veterans. Back in 2010, they started Holiday Meals for Military, which gives holiday meal kits to military families and Veterans. They’re devoted to feeding Veterans on Thanksgiving and making sure our heroes don’t go without.
5. Associated Veterans of Loveland
Associated Veterans of Loveland distributes free Thanksgiving meals to Veterans and their loved ones. They also help local homebound Veterans by giving away pre-ordered Thanksgiving meals.
6. Elks Lodges
There are Elks lodges, which are fraternal orders, located across the country that host Thanksgiving dinners. From turkey to pie, these meals are free, and some locations offer the meals for Veterans, while others also offer them to those who are homebound.
7. Clear Path
Since 2013, Clear Path’s Culinary Program has provided home-cooked Thanksgiving meals for service members, Veterans, and their loved ones. If you’re interested, you have to reserve your spot, but transportation may be provided. Someone else can also sponsor Thanksgiving meals or buy Thanksgiving pies. In this case, the money will go to Veterans’ services.
8. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, a church and charity, offers community meals and Thanksgiving meal baskets.
9. Veterans Inc.
Veterans Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping end homelessness among Veterans, distributes food boxes to Vets on Thanksgiving. The meals come with turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, potatoes, and fresh produce.
How You Can Help
do your part to help out Veterans. A Million Thanks sends out Thanksgiving cards for Veterans and military members to show support and respect. You can participate by writing a letter and sending it through the mail. You can also send in donations. Wanna get more hands-on? Help out by volunteering in your community through a food bank, food pantry, or soup kitchen. You can:
- Cook and serve dinner.
- Help families during their visit.
- Sort and pack food donations.
- Deliver meals.
Donations to Veterans’ charities are always appreciated, such as:
- Armed Services YMCA of the USA.
- Fisher House Foundation.
- Gary Sinise Foundation.
- Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
- National Military Family Association.
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
- Semper Fi Fund.
- Wounded Warriors Family Support.
Bonus Resources for Ways To Give Back During the Holidays
There With Care offers holiday meals for people in the hospital. You can donate meals to a small family for $75 or spend $125 for a meal for a big family. Operation Turkey is a community of volunteers that strives to get everyone food on Thanksgiving. While they accept donations, they also accept new volunteers. You can donate a meal or request a meal for yourself or someone else that may need it. Feed the Need, an organization in Texas working to provide kits for families who can’t afford Thanksgiving meals, accepts donations of $25. This funds food for a family of six. Soldiers’ Angels accepts donations to provide Thanksgiving dinners for Veterans and their families. They also host food distributions every month for low-income Veterans and Veterans experiencing homelessness. You may also provide your own services and volunteer.
Happy Thanksgiving, Veterans!
After all our Veterans have done to help the country, it’s only right that they’re honored and appreciated on Thanksgiving Day. People experiencing food insecurity, especially Veterans, should not have to be overwhelmed by the prospect of making dinner. Veterans Thanksgiving resources are out there and available to make sure that everyone is fed on this day of thanks. We can also do our own part through donations or volunteering to make sure Veterans feel respected and at home in their communities. Happy Thanksgiving to our Veterans! Thank you for all that you’ve done. Read next:38 of the Best Year-Round Veteran Discounts
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