USA Cares Every Day for Military Families

When Mark Wills' "2^nd Time Around" cd mentioned the work of USA Cares many heard of the organization for the first time. The cd, done to benefit the organization, believes in helping the soldiers that help us and helping the families that give up part of their lives with seldom any realization of the sacrifice by the majority.

USA Cares is there to help all branches of service and in six years has provided over $6million in grants to these families. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization they help combat injured particularly those with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. They provide housing assistance that has kept 1,830 children in their homes and through the housing crisis has saved over 800 homes for military families.

They were one of the first to start sending money to the families and victims after the Fort Hood shootings through a Fort Hood Family Emergency fund.

They've helped with grants to keep electricity and heating on for military families and insure that there is a place to turn for families that are in need despite giving greatly to this country.

Through generous donations they've been able to help 19,000 families of heroes to know that, indeed, USA Cares.

It doesn't take a great deal to help this organization and isn't just about money, although this certainly is needed to help with utilities and other needs that are financial. There is another program that a wide range of people have helped with.

From youth groups to seniors this is creating beautiful lap warmers for our injured soldiers at Walter Reed and other facilities. These lap blankets are all hand made and delivered to injured soldiers as a practical way to keep their legs warm without a large blanket to tangle in their wheelchair. It's also a small but powerful thank you to these soldiers who have given so much.

The need is year round but especially during the holidays these ways to say thank you come across clear. There should never be a soldier or family in need and yet the need is great. USA Cares is a way to reach out in several ways.

In one week around Thanksgiving USA Cares was able to offer direct assistance to over 37 families in 21 states. The need is nationwide. The reach is nation wide. There are over 150 requests per week for assistance.

USA Cares benefits not only from fundraisers such as the "2^nd Time Around" CD but also from donations and other fundraisers that allow them to continue to help military families. It doesn't take a great deal to make an impact. Whether at Christmas or as a gift any time of year the need is great and ongoing.

If you have a relative who "has everything they want" or you're looking for a way to make a difference for others, consider a donation to USA Cares. It's said a Marine never has to wonder if they made a difference...the same can be said for those who help organizations like USA Cares.