Help a Veteran

Want to do more this Veterans Day to help those who serve? Parade Magazine featured several ways you can help a Veteran in their Nov 6 issue.

Give shelter to a Veteran!
You can help build a home or donate equipment for a severely injured veteran with Homes for Our troops. www.homesforourtroops.org

Offer a ride.
Many veterans are unable to make it to VA medical facilities because of a disability. With The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) you can volunteer to drive a DAV van for a vet in need. www.dav.org/volunteers

Foster a pet
When a soldier is deployed or receiving VA medical treatment, they need someone to take care of their pet. Take in a dog or cat to help a vet. www.guardiananglesforsoldierspet.org

Record a war story
Don't let any story go untold. You can write the tales of an old soldier, so the story stays with us. www.loc.gov/vets

Don't throw out old cell phones
Donate your old cell phone to soldiers. Each cell phone donated, Cell Phone for Soldiers will pay for an hour of talk time for troops overseas. Help keep them connected with their loved ones back home. www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

Used DVDs?
You can donate your old DVD's to your local VA facility or mail them to DVDs4vets. They will then be shipped out to soldiers! www.dvds4vets.org

Keep your coupons!
Your coupons may have expired but don't throw them out, you can donate them! Military families can use coupons for up to six months past the expired date. www.couponsfortroops.com

Help with a holiday drive!
You can help a vet by collecting food, clothing and other items with Operation Gratitude's annual campaign. The items will then be packed in gift boxes and sent out to service members! www.operationgratitue.com/volunteer

You've got mail!
You can help the Kitchen Table Gang organization, by sending care packages to hospitalized veterans and troops abroad. www.soldierpackages.org

Share your knowledge
You can volunteer with Milserve and help veterans with job search guidance; financial services; legal services and more. www.milserve.org

Be a Big Brother or Big Sister
The national organization has a special department for military kids, carefully pairing the kids with adults serving in the military. They also have a special program for veterans and civilians. Be a big brother or sister today! www.bbbs.org