The Purple Heart is an award given to military veterans who have been wounded or killed while serving in the military. This award has been given to almost 1.7 million veterans or their families since its inception in the 1930s. It stands to reason the biggest challenge for some veterans of war is their return home- acclimating to society, recovering from injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder can make the return a struggle.
There are many ways you can help military families. Volunteering your time toward a variety of programs, such as to organizations that provide transportation to medical appointments is one. There are plenty of charities that allow disabled veterans to make small products, like viola pins and holiday cards, which you can buy to help support the cause.
One of the best ways to give back to veterans and Purple Heart recipients is to donate your lightly used clothing and household items. These items go to charities that then distribute them where they are most needed. Veterans clothing donations can keep a military family that could not otherwise afford new clothes warm and covered.
Reasons to donate clothes to military families:
- Almost 100% of the clothing thrown away in the U.S every year is eligible to be recycled or reused.
- Veterans clothing donations reduce landfill waste and pollution.
- The industry of fabric recycling is responsible for about 17,000 jobs in the U.S.
- In 2012, the unemployment rate among veterans was almost 10%- which is 2% higher than the average for everyone else. The unemployment rate for veterans younger than 24 was worse- 20.4%!
- It doesn’t cost you any money and clears clutter out of your house.
- You don’t have to leave your home- some military charities pick up clothing donations at the curb of your house.
- Donating makes you feel good; knowing that you helped someone in need is a great mood lifter.
How would you help military families? Leave us a note in the comments!