Tis the Season to Give a Helping Hand

The holiday season is nearly upon us and it's a time for joy and a time for cheer... well, at least it's supposed to be. With the economic malaise or, as some feel, recession we're in, many are cutting back on gift giving this Christmas. However, while cutting back on giving 46” LCD TVs, Blue Ray players and the latest PS3 video games to our loved ones might be an intelligent decision, we should not forget during this time of giving the least of our brothers. There are hundreds, make that thousands, of soldiers and families who are suffering. Many have excessive medical bills due to injuries suffered in combat and others are financially strapped due to a lack of transportation and, in some cases, a lack of shelter. This is suffering that would occur even if our economy was booming.

What can we do about it? Operation Homefront, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, the families they leave behind, and the wounded warriors when they return home. Started after September 11th, Operation Homefront has over 4,500 volunteers in 30 chapters nationwide providing assistance to over 45,000 military families in need.

Neither I, nor Shining Star Flags & Bandanas, is affiliated with this organization; however, we believe it's an excellent organization if you have the desire to help our soldiers and their families in need. Here's a short video about Operation Homefront:

According to its website, Operation Homefront provides aid to families struggling not only with emergencies, but also with the problems of everyday life. Existing programs include:

• Emergency Aid — Provides food, baby care items, vehicle donation and repair.
• Computer Program — Allows children and spouses to stay in touch with their loved ones.
• Financial Assistance Program — Addresses crises such as illness, homelessness and death.
• Furniture Program — Donates household and baby furniture; working-order appliances.
• Moving — Provides physical labor for families when a service member is deployed.
• Social Outreach — Offers Adopt-a-family opportunities, Thanksgiving/holiday baskets, back-to-school supplies.
• Community — Rebuilds the challenged social network of the military community by bringing it to our online magazine where it is convenient to everyone, no matter the time or location.

No matter what our circumstances in life are we all should be thankful for what we have and remember those less fortunate than us. Let us give to those who need it the most this Christmas season. There are many in need, but we at Shining Star Flags & Bandanas ask that you consider giving to our soldiers and their families. While there are many worthwhile organizations to choose from, Operation Homefront is a great way to do that. Over the next couple of days, I will profile some families in need and provide information on how you can help. Until then, remember it's a time for joy and a time for cheer.