In the Spirit of Giving

Within the traditions we share in this blog post, there are also those Army traditions to support our families and soldiers, especially during the holidays and the season of giving. As we approach the holiday season, celebrating in so many various ways, let’s not forget to reach out to those who may need a little extra support! This could be both on your current installation or in the surrounding community. 

One volunteer event we always looked forward to, and many of you are familiar with, is the officers and senior NCOs serving meals in the dining facilities over Thanksgiving. Maybe some of you or your soldiers have had this great opportunity to thank our wonderful service members as they gather to dine with their families, friends, and units, and be thanked and shown appreciation for jobs well done by their leadership.

It still is one of our protocol teams’ fondest memories, as well as that of our children! 

A few other examples are on posts, like Fort Lee, Virginia, where they have an all-volunteer-run Holiday Helper Association, supporting all branches of the military. They not only collect and fundraise all year long to provide toys during the holidays for military children, food vouchers, and even Christmas trees, but also work with Fisher House in Richmond, Virginia. There is a dedicated building on post that becomes a magical place in December, to bring in qualified soldiers to shop for their children. In support of Fisher House, the volunteers help either deliver toys to that location or open the store for shopping.

Many other installations around the country and overseas also have similar programs, like Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Carson, Colorado. They can always use volunteers in various ways, so check your installation for opportunities.

Another great program that is run and supported by single soldiers is BOSS—Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers. They not only provide ways to build morale with trips and local activities, but they also get involved in community activities and charitable organizations, like on-post nonprofits, and a few off post, as well. Several of us provided snacks to them while they volunteered at various Santa workshops or took the opportunity to send them home with bags of goodies to thank them! Please consider checking for your local BOSS representative for more information.

On many training installations, there is a mass exodus of soldiers returning home for the holidays. Many spouse clubs or SFRGs gather to make treat bags for the soldiers’ travels home. Several of us used to put together donated toiletries and place them in decorated holiday stockings or socks to either hand out in the barracks before they left or to those remaining on post. 

Michelle was an outreach chairperson at a spouse club. One of their yearly holiday projects was to coordinate with a local homeless shelter and collect items to donate. Collections would begin in October at monthly luncheons, with items placed in gift bags or stockings to take to the shelter. Please don’t forget those with food insecurities! Many food banks and pantries need our support year-round, but especially over this time of year. They so need and appreciate any volunteer time you can give or just a bag of donated food or money. 

Like many military families, Michelle, Ginger, and their families invited single soldiers into their homes for a holiday meal. What smiles it brought to all and a great way to share your family traditions with others!

Taking cookies and treats to the gate guards was another tradition that the Perkins family did. They’d bundle up on Christmas Eve and drive or walk to the installation gates. There they visited with the gate guards, giving them treats and hot chocolate. On Christmas Day, the family visited those in the hospital, giving them baskets prepared by local businesses along with homemade treats. Gold Star families were always remembered by gathering for fellowship, music, a turkey feast with potluck sides and desserts, entertainment, and of course, a visit from Santa.

Just like most things we volunteer for, relationship building and supporting our communities are key and can make even the smallest difference, not only in the people you are supporting, but in yourself. Never miss those opportunities, especially over the holiday season.