Become a volunteer with the National Military Family Association or make a donation to the Operation Purple program (includes camps for military children whose parents are deployed, camps for teens, family retreats, and camps for children and families with wounded service members).
Do One Nice Thing – Bookmark this site – the site has good ideas of how to help military personnel and children (along with various other groups). On the left hand side, click on “Ideas” and it will bring you to a dropdown menu of opportunities.
Say “Thank You!” to a military child that you know or give them a thank you card.
Find a military installation near you and find out how you can help as a civilian or military personnel.
Overseas Coupon Program – send coupons to military families overseas; you can “adopt a base” overseas or give a one-time donation of your coupons.
Operation Give a Hug: donate $7 for a “mommy doll” or “daddy doll” for children whose parent is deployed.
Sponsor a “Hero Pack” through Operation Military Kids. “Hero Packs include a handwritten letter of thanks and appreciation from a local non-military youth [or adult], a collection of family support materials, communication tools, and fun items the recipient can enjoy with their siblings, remaining parent/relatives, or friends.”
Share this list with others to multiply the help military children receive!
Get involved with the Military Child Education Coalition by volunteering or making a donation. “The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, world-wide organization. A model of positive leadership and advocacy, the MCEC’s work is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. The MCEC performs research, develops resources, conducts professional institutes and conferences, and publishes resources for all constituencies.”
Contribute to scholarships for military children through the Fisher House Foundation
Operation Kid Comfort “creates custom-made quilts for children of deployed military personnel who experience grief from missing their mom or dad.” They are looking for volunteers to make quilts for children.
Help to fulfill a “Current Need” at Operation HomeFront, whose mission is to “provide emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.”