How to Help

Support the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund
Many families of Illinois National Guard members and reservists face serious financial hardships because the military pay of a soldier - typically the family’s breadwinner – can be far less than their civilian salary. Here's how you can help.

Operation Support Our Troops
Did you know that there are close to 150,000 American servicemen and women deployed overseas in defense of our country? Many of these troops are living in very difficult conditions with few, if any "creature comforts." Help to supplement the basic provisions provided to American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

SI Yellow Ribbon
This is a completely volunteer and non-profit organization, formed by a small family in Southern Illinois. They are dedicated to filling needs and wants of overseas military by sending care packages, cards and letters.

OperationCarePackages
We are an all volunteer group on-line and locally in the Joliet area. Our mission is to send support to our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen through care packages and letters. With the help of many generous people and businesses throughout the State of Illinois we have been able to send thousands of care packages to our Military. We believe no Hero should go without mail during mail call.

Help Our Troops Call Home
The Department of Defense announced today that Americans can help troops in contingency operations call home. Find out how here.

Gifts From the Homefront
How to get certificates from the Army Air Force Exchange System (AAFES) that allow you to send a gift certificate to a loved one, family member or friend associated with the military.

Gift of Groceries
This program of the Defense Commissary Agency helps meet the family needs of our Guard and Reserve troops fighting the war on terrorism.

Operation Dear Abbey
Send a special message to our men and women in the military defending American freedom worldwide.

Operation Hero Miles
You can help American troops travel home to spend quality time with their loved ones by donating your frequent flyer miles.

Operation USO Care Package
This program provides individuals with a way to touch the lives of our deployed troops around the world.

Operation Uplink
Operation Uplink keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones by providing them with free phone cards.

Treasures for Troops
This is a year round program that offers a way for Americans to provide troops with a gift from home with a $20 donation.

VA Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) was founded in 1946 to provide for our nation's veterans while they are cared for by VA health care facilities.

Miltary Relief Societies
These organizations help the families of service members with emergency financial needs, medical/dental expenses, scholarships, and more.

Bugles Across America
Bugles Across America, have 1500 bugler volunteers located in all 50 states to provide veterans at least 2 uniformed military people to fold the flag and play taps on a CD player.