Books for Soldiers
http://booksforsoldiers.com/
1 – BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Before you can be given access to the troop requests posted on the BFS bulletin board, you must first register for an account. You can get one HERE. This will give you access to most troop requests. There are some requests that require OpSec (operational security), meaning they cannot post their address publicly. These addresses are post in our Soldiers Requesting Privacy forum. To gain access to these sensitive addresses, you must become an Official Volunteer (OV). To become an OV, you must complete the brief application form (download the PDF here), have it notarized and mail it to us. We realize this is complicated, but we do this to help keep the soldiers safe.
2 – GET AN ADDRESS
Once you are approved as an Official BFS Volunteer, go to our online bulletin board and review the requests posted from soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors; there are hundreds of them! Scroll through the names and pick someone whose request has not yet been filled.
We also list requests for larger units of troops (e.g., platoons, companies); you may be especially interested in responding to these requests if you have a large number of books or other items to send.
3 – SEND A BOOK OR OTHER REQUESTED CARE PACKAGE ITEMS
Try to send what the troop requests (some will just request “anything”). It’s fine to send used books, DVDs, or CDs; if you have old paperback books that are in good shape, send them (note, though, that it is illegal to send pornography to the areas where most deployed military personnel are now serving). You may also wish to include other needed items to fill the package. See our Care Package Help guide for ideas!
Try to send packages in something about the size of a shoe box or similar for quick delivery. The post office also has flat rate boxes that are a good size for mailing to troops. Be sure to include a note and your email address in your package; you could come away with a pen pal!
4 – TELL US ABOUT IT
If you send a package, post what you sent on the bulletin board under the troop’s name. This keeps them from getting multiple copies of the same item and helps us keep track of when requests are filled.
5 – DONATE FUNDS
We try to fulfill all requests that are left unfilled by people at home. Our average cost for a book or care package going to a soldier overseas is about $20; this includes, for example, a book, postage, a brief note, and a small care package. Your donation is deeply appreciated.
5 – SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A LOVED ONE
If you have a loved one who is serving overseas, submit a request for him or her through the form on the BFS homepage, or ask BFS staff to post a request on the bulletin board and BFS and our Official Volunteers will try to fulfill the request.
6 – TELL OTHERS ABOUT US
If you have co-workers or friends who have family members serving, please tell them about us. We also ask that you mention us in your church bulletin or organization’s newsletter. You can also email your friends about our site or add our button to your website. All help is appreciated. We are always looking for more volunteers!
Once you are registered, you will be able to view the requests and send troops books, DVDs, games and relief supplies. You will also have access to our Pen Pal area and Post Card Jamboree. On average our volunteers fill thousands of requests a month. Get started today and get your company, civic group or place of worship involved with supporting our troops.
Books For Soldiers generally is restricted to helping deployed troops. There is one area in which we can support the troops who are Stateside, and we’d like to bring that to your attention.
You may be working with wounded warriors, troops with specific morale issues, or just have a large group for which you have concerns (for example, a large number of soldiers with no families returning from deployment). You may be wishing for resources for them (e.g., entertainment, teaching materials such as books on coping with stress, or just niceties to comfort soldiers returning home).
We can help supply you here and are happy to help, provided the following conditions are met:
- We get a letter from the base chaplain on base letterhead. This is a paper version, an original.
- In the letter your needs are described with the specific request you are making to help fill these needs.
- Your name (or any the names of your designees) is mentioned in the letter as well.
- The letter signed by the base chaplain
By base, we mean the location (fort, camp, air station, etc.) of the troops we will be serving. We also can support medical needs in the US in such places as military hospitals or recovery centers.
Each scenario must be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Once we are in receipt of this letter, your request will be valid (that is, supported by us) for one full year unless the signing officer (your base chaplain, senior medical officer, etc.) has a change of address.
We are sorry for this overhead, but it is necessary. Our nonprofit status only allows us to send items to deployed addresses AND this one circumstance is allowed if we have this letter from your base commander. Without this documentation we could lose our nonprofit status.
Again, we are very happy to support you if you wish to go this route and make the request. You can contact us at [email protected] to alert us that you’ll be sending and we’ll try to help shepherd it through faster.
Camp Corral
http://www.campcorral.org/
The vision behind Camp Corral is one where kids, ages 8 to 15, are free to be kids, far away from the day-to-day challenges they face as children of military service members. The reality of a parent being deployed away from home for over a year is the norm for all children from military families. And for 75 percent of Camp Corral’s campers, a parent coming back injured, disabled or never coming back is their reality.
Providing positive, recreational experiences in the outdoors helps foster resilience, and Camp Corral has proven to be a ‘week of a lifetime,’ providing kids non-stop fun with activities like canoeing, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, ropes course challenge, archery, horseback riding and other camp and outdoors activities. The week also encourages the campers to create friendships and bond with other kids who share similar family situations.
Camp Corral, headquartered in Raleigh, NC works closely with 4-H and YMCA camps, both highly respected for their total youth-development programs. Each host camp as been carefully selected to provide your child with a caring, nurturing and safe environment – one in which each camper is valued. A Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) is available on site at each camp. The host camps run and provide activities that are fun, new and challenging and under the watchful eye of their highly trained staff. Camp Corral host camps are accredited by the American Camp Association, or operate under their standards.
Camp Corral is committed to increasing the number of children served by expanding our reach in communities around the country through meaningful camp experiences, always free of charge.
Canines for Service
http://www.caninesforservice.org/
Canines for Veterans is a national program that provides Veterans with disabilities quality trained service dogs. The program works with military prisoners at the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service dogs for the wounded and injured Veteran. Known as the “triple win” the Canines for Veterans program has twice been awarded a Newman’s Own Award for program innovations supporting our military and their families, is approved by the US Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program and was named a Joining Forces Community Challenge finalist. Launched in 2008, the program operates entirely on private donations. The program operated at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune until August 31, 2010. As of September 1, 2010, the program has relocated to the Navy Consolidated Brig, Charleston, South Carolina.
Canines for Service has been training service dogs for over 17 years. Our program is based on quality and integrity and considers the needs of the client receiving the service dog by ensuring the client is properly served. From making sure the service dogs are trained to meet ADA requirements in the tasks that they can do, to developing specialty skills to assist a specific client; it is about the person we serve. Team training, when a client is partnered with their service dog, is done on an individual basis, not in a group. Why? Because every clients' needs are different and it is better for the client to work with them individually. It also permits us to accomplish training within 5 to 10 days rather than several weeks; reducing the time the client is away from home, saving costs for the client, and the program. Canines for Veterans DOES NOT train a persons own dog or certify a dog trained by an individual, trainer or another organization. Our organization selects, trains, certifies dogs within our organization.
Service members or Veterans with a disability including mobility limitations, traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder are invited to apply for a Canines for Veterans service dog. We serve Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces. Active duty service members may be eligible for a service dog only if they can no longer be deployed. Canines for Veterans does not charge a fee for the service dog. A video is required as part of the application and is essential to determine the very specific skills the service dog will need to serve the person it is matched with. Canines for Veterans reserves the right to accept or not accept an applicant based on the information provided in the application and additional information that may be obtained through the review process.
Charlotte Bridge Home
http://www.charlottebridgehome.org/
Charlotte Bridge Home helps Charlotte veterans successfully transition home after military service by identifying their education, employment and healthcare needs and connecting them to available community, state and federal resources.
After the regimen and sacrifice of military duty, the transition to civilian life can be challenging as veterans recover from wounds, pursue further education, seek employment. Charlotte Bridge Home will serve as an entry point for returning veterans who don’t know where to turn to access support and services.
Because veterans return home and not to federal agencies or bureaucracies, local communities must reach out and actively assist in the reintegration process along with federal agencies such as the Veterans Administration.
The transition from military to civilian status is often challenging for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured service members and their families who are confronted with pressing issues of navigating medical care and federal benefits, as well as basic needs of housing, employment and education. Present, too, is the overarching challenge of trying to establish not just a new place of residence, but a home – of laying down roots and integrating into a community. It can be overwhelming for families recently separated from the structure and support of the military to reenter civilian life.
Charlotte has the opportunity and privilege to help bring our nation’s warriors and their families home with the same energy and commitment that our veterans have displayed in serving our nation. In so doing, Charlotte will serve as a leader to inform other communities who wish to create more welcoming and livable communities for returning veterans and their families.
The result: veterans and their families are able to successfully pursue their dreams of building a healthy and productive life in the Charlotte region. Our community benefits from their leadership and commitment; the drain on community resources is reduced.
Clemmons Food Pantry
http://www.clemmonsfoodpantry.org/
Clemmons Food Pantry is a local non-profit organization providing supplemental groceries to residents of
Forsyth County in financial need.
Diaper Bank of North Carolina
http://ncdiaperbank.org/
The Diaper Bank of North Carolina was founded on the simple belief that all children deserve clean diapers. This may seem obvious, but the heartbreaking truth is this: every day, children go without the diapers they need to stay healthy and comfortable.
Eighty-Second Airborne Association
http://www.82ndairborneassociation.org/
The Scholarship grant is available to Former Troopers (with no more than 2 enlistments, within 2 yrs of their separation date) and dependent children of Veterans and Active Duty Association LIFE members in good standing. Spouses are not eligible. Please also note that the applicant MUST be intent on pursuing a baccalaureate degree (those pursuing a Masters or higher degree are not eligible), and MUST gain at least 12 semester hours per semester toward that degree. The Educational Fund Committee does not accept any part of this application process via E-mail. It is also very important to keep the deadline in mind at all times. The completed application must be RECEIVED at the address listed on the application Not Later Than 5:00pm Eastern Time on November 1st to be considered for the Scholarship. NO EXCEPTIONS! Packets received after 5:00pm on November 1st will be returned to the sender.
Fayetteville Cares
http://www.fayettevillecares.org
Fayetteville Cares Foundation is a community-based organization supporting the military personnel and military families of Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. Fayetteville Cares’ mission is to engage the entire greater Fayetteville community by providing an avenue for local citizens to support the troops and their families. Fayetteville Cares also collaborates with other local military support groups to coordinate support efforts and to identify new needs in the military community. Founded in 2007 by Kirk deViere, Joanne Chavonne, Fayetteville Mayor Tony Chavonne, and George Breece, Fayetteville Cares is in a unique position to foster relationships between the military and civilian communities. Army Chief of Staff George Casey has recognized Fayetteville Cares for its support of Fort Bragg’s troops and their families. Fayetteville Cares previous projects include Boots n’ Booties, a baby shower for military families, and Operation Holiday Cheer, which provided holiday care packages which were shipped to deployed troops. These projects have not only shown the military that Fayetteville supports them, but they have made the civilian community of Fayetteville more aware of the challenges faced by military personnel and their families after almost a decade of sustained war fighting.
Fayetteville State University Veterans Business Outreach Center
http://www.fsuvboc.com/
Our mission is to advance the growth and commercial competitiveness of veteran owned small business enterprises through education and services. Working in concert with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the VBOC focuses on business development, technology deployment, and e-commerce. We are SBA Region IV and serve 8 states, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. If you are looking for a SBA partner in a different region please visit SBA.gov
Homes For Disabled Veterans
http://www.accessfordisabled.com/
Homes for Disabled Veterans is a Non-Profit 501c3 Organization that is dedicated to providing new homes, rebuilt homes, and modifications on existing homes for severely disabled veterans that will allow easier access to common functions that are custom suited to their individual needs and requirements. All material costs used within each project are purchased through the donations of private individuals and corporate donors. Both general labor and skilled labor are supplied through the participation of volunteers with blueprints and supervision provided by Baldwin Construction Company of Wilmington North Carolina.
Horses That Heal
http://horsesheal.com/
“Horses that Heal is an experiential program that provides the opportunity for people to achieve lasting change and healing through hands on activities with horses. We use horses as a means to learn and grow emotionally.”
Equine Assisted Psychotheraphy is a different approach from traditional therapy. The special relationship between human and horse helps people place human traits onto horses. This is similar to how we see our pets as people. Often, the horse mirrors the emotional state of the person.
Those that may benefit from EAP include those suffering from:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Conduct Disorders
- Personality Disorders
- Eating Disorders
Lutheran Services Carolinas
http://www.lscarolinas.net/
Welcome to Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC), a new collective ministry representing the coming together of two vital health and human service organizations, Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas and Lutheran Services for the Aging. Established in 2012, the LSC affiliation is already enriching services, enhancing opportunities, driving innovation, and improving the lives of more Carolinians.
About one-third of all homeless adults have served in the U.S. armed forces. Some of those veterans may be disabled with a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder or another combat related illness that makes it difficult to remain successfully employed or retain stable housing.
To address those needs, Lutheran Services Carolinas provides transitional housing for homeless veterans and veterans at risk of homelessness in cooperation with the W. G. (Bill) Hefner V.A. Medical Center in Salisbury, NC and the W.J.B. Dorn V.A. Hospital in Columbia, SC.
The three LSC transitional housing programs help veterans: secure employment and benefits, obtain transportation to and from medical appointments and job interviews, receive counseling services, and reintegrate into the community. The objective is to provide these veterans with safety, stability, and the support they need to transition them to independent living as soon as possible. Follow up services are provided to the veterans by LSC staff, as well as the partner organizations.
Military Missions In Action
http://militarymissionsinaction.org/
Military Missions in Action has five distinct on-going programs that are at the core of our effort:
Operation Building Hope
Provides home modification services to ensure that veterans with disabilities can live independently in a fully-accessible home. Some of the home modifications include, removing obstacles and safety hazards, constructing wheelchair ramps and roll-in-showers, widening doorways and lowering cabinets and countertops. Whether the disability is due to war wounds, illness or age, this is a small way we can demonstrate appreciation for their military service to our country.
Homes for Healing
Assists veterans who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is estimated that 360,000 veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003 suffer from TBI, which causes neurological damage and can impact one’s behavior, emotions, memory, body functions, speech, and an array of other disorders. For someone suffering from TBI or PTSD, what once was a simple task can seem an insurmountable obstacle. MMIA assists veterans who suffer from these conditions, which in turn helps them in their healing process.
Military Child Access Assistance Program (MCAAP)
Assists active duty service members and veterans who have children with special needs who require handicap accessibility into their home.
Fill the Footlocker
Consists of two programs. The first program supports active-duty service members and military working dogs serving in combat zones. The second program supports our ever rising number of homeless veterans. Working within the community, MMIA collects items for both programs. Once items are collected, a community pack-n-ship event is held to prepare items for shipment overseas. Items collected for homeless veterans are distributed at the numerous homeless veteran stand-downs held within the state. For a list of items you can donate to this mission, please click here: Fill the Footlocker Items.
Operation Warrior Golf
Is a program sponsored by MMIA in which veterans with disabilities learn how to overcome their limitations through the game of golf. Upon completion of the program, MMIA presents the veteran with a gently-used set of golf clubs which have been donated for that purpose.
We Will Never Forget
Is dedicated to our brave men and women that have passed on whether in time of war, while serving our country, or who served our country so bravely in the past.
North Carolina Bar Association
http://www.ncbar.org/public-pro-bono
The NCBA sponsors many pro bono and public service events each month. In addition to single-day events, the NCBA sponsors ongoing volunteer opportunities to provide pro bono assistance to North Carolinians who need it most, including 4ALL, Lawyer on the Line, NC LEAP, Law-Related Education, and section-specific projects. Keep your eyes open for a new pro bono initiatve serving our Veterans launching in mid-2014!
North Carolina Heroes Fund
http://www.ncheroes.org/
The mission of the North Carolina Heroes’ Fund is to improve the quality of life for the military men and women of North Carolina and their families who are experiencing financial hardships as a result of their service, often times from overseas deployment.
Paws4 People Foundation
https://paws4people.org/
We has multiple programs through which we train and place assistance dogs with people with disabilities throughout the mid-Atlantic and southeast regions. We specialize in clients under the age of 12 and veterans with PTSD; as well as the ground-breaking field of training and utilizing the Educational Assistance Dog.
Rowan Helping Ministries
http://www.rowanhelpingministries.org/
Rowan Helping Ministries is a continuation of Rowan Cooperative Christian Ministry, a ministry begun in 1967 by several of Salisbury’s downtown churches. Rowan Helping Ministries was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization September 18, 1986. At that time, the Shelter rotated among several of the downtown churches and only operated during the winter months. The Soup Kitchen was provided by First Presbyterian Church and Crisis Assistance Network worked out of John Calvin Presbyterian Church. The Clothing Center was at the old Price High School building and Dial Help, incorporated in November 1970, was in the basement of Tri-County Mental Health. In December 1989, all of these programs moved to 226 North Long Street and became a part of Rowan Helping Ministries.
Our programs include: the Overnight Shelter, Soup Kitchen, Clothing Center, Food Pantry, Crisis Assistance Network, Transitional Housing Programs, Rowan Helping Ministries-West, and New Tomorrows. We have a full-time staff of nineteen and a part-time staff of twelve. We rely on 30-35 volunteers daily, and without them, Rowan Helping Ministries wouldn't be possible.
Saltwater Soldiers Inc.
http://saltwatersoldiers.org/
Our free saltwater fishing excursions also include entering wounded soldiers and veterans into various offshore fishing tournaments on the eastern shore. It’s every sport fisherman’s dream to compete with the best in the most prestigious offshore showdowns in the Atlantic. We offer our military heroes this opportunity in a humble and professional manner. Being part of the Saltwater Soldiers Team is all about building strategies together and working as a unit. In addition, Saltwater Soldiers Inc. provides financial assistance for wounded soldiers, veterans, and their families. Our organization grants monetary aid to families in need of counseling, schooling, medical care, home remodeling to accommodate for handicap accessibility, and a general improvement of their quality of life. The Saltwater Soldiers financial assistance program is designed to help with the bills and expenses that are essential to daily living. Saltwater Soldiers Inc. mainly operates out of Ocean City, MD, Virginia Beach, VA and Outer Banks, NC. In an effort to benefit our U.S. Military personnel nationwide, we hope to continue to grow and eventually have the necessary resources to offer fishing trips along the East and West Coast, the Gulf of Mexico and Hawaii.
Saltwater Soldiers also provides vocational training for wounded veterans in the Marine Industry to get a Captain's licence to run boat charters. All our services are offered free of charge and are made possible through individual and corporate donations.
Special Forces Association
http://www.specialforcesassociation.org/
The Special Forces Association Serves as the Voice for the Special Forces Community; Perpetuates Special Forces Traditions and Brotherhood; Advances the Public Image of Special Forces and Promotes the General Welfare of the Special Forces Community.
SFA Education Assistance Program (aka SFA Scholarship Fund) was established and is designed to provide one-time scholarship grants to members, dependents and grandchildren of SFA members in good standing. The number of grants awarded and amounts are determined by the Scholarship Committee with the approval of the Association Board of Officers. Grants may be given in the name of individuals or corporations when funds are contributed directly for this purpose and is approved by the SFA Board of Officers. The Assistant Secretary who selects its committee members chairs the Scholarship Committee. The selections are made by the committee with the approval of the SFA Board of Officers, announced at the annual SFA Convention held each year in June or July, and posted in the Fall Drop. Applicants must be an Association member in good standing or the dependent spouse, child or grandchild of a member in good standing, also any member (child or grandchild) of the family of a deceased member who was in good standing at the time of death, AND have been accepted by, or already attending, an accredited College, University or vocational School.
SFA Patriot Fund was established by the Board of Officers to supports the activities of USAJFKSWCS, USASFC(A), the seven Special Forces Groups and their families through Family readiness Groups, and support the USSOCOM Care Coalition. The fund may be used for the following activities:
Activities within the commands that are otherwise unfunded that benefits the Commands, soldiers and their families. This includes but is not limited to:
• The Commemorative Knives Program: This is a joint effort by Busse Knife Company and the SFA to present commemorative knives to the family of Special Forces KIA. The presentation is conducted on behalf of the men of the 1st Special Forces Regiment.
• Provide financial support to unfunded joint project of the Command and Association that benefits the Special Forces Soldiers and their families.
• Provide assistance to Special Forces units Family Readiness Groups activities and events that benefit Special Forces family members.
• Provide support to the commands to recognize the accomplishments and actions of individuals within the command. An example would be to participate in the Annual NCD/Soldier of the Year and Philip Neri Award which recognizes the accomplishments of individual Special Forces Soldiers.
• Support command initiatives to assist Special Forces Soldiers who have been wounded or have separated from services such as the USSOCOM Care Coalition Initiative.
• Provided support to the USAJFKSWCS by recognizing and awarding the accomplishments of soldiers whom excel while attending school at the Center.
• Host activities and events that benefit SF Soldiers and their families throughout the SF Community.
• Host organization day for the seven Special Forces Groups, Special Forces Command and USAJFKSWCS. This can be done through the Chapters co-located with the Special Forces Groups with financial support from National.
The Memorial Building Fund was established to support the maintenance and improvement of the SFA Memorial Buildings and Grounds (19.2 acres) which honors the commitment and sacrifice of all Special Forces Soldiers. This fund is totally funded through donations from SFA members and the public and is administered by the Memorial Building and Grounds Board of Trustees. Located on the grounds is the SFA National Headquarters where the National Board of Officers manages the affairs of the Association and coordinates actions of the membership and Chapters. Within the Headquarters, there are displays and exhibits which represent the history of Special Forces. The Team House, another frequently used structure on the grounds, is a gathering place where members, Special Forces units, Soldiers, and their families gather to remember and celebrate our past and contemplate the future of Special Forces. A Chapel and Memorial Gardens commemorating Special Forces losses, as well as a picnic area for hosting events and activities, are also located within the grounds.
The Emergency Relief Fund, established by the SFA in 2005, provides immediate financial assistance to eligible members, their spouses, children, and grand-children in times of natural disasters. Initial funding may be granted by the President, Special Forces Association, not to exceed the established amount in accordance with the current SFA Emergency Fund Policy Letter. The Policy Letter also establishes total funding requirements which must be approved by the Board of Officers. The Special Forces Emergency Fund derives it monies from contributions of members, chapters, interested parties, and corporations that support the “Green Beret” brotherhood.
Steps N Stages, Inc.
Jubilee House
http://www.stepsnstages.com/
Our agency will provide transitional housing and permanent housing for women veterans. This house length of stay is determined on an individual basis depending upon circumstances and requirements. For women veterans and their dependents. Services and support provided will include:
VA Claims Assistance
Job Search Assistance/Referral
Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans
Mentoring/Life Coaching
Assistance with Discharge Upgrades
Financial Literacy Classes
Transportation to VA for medical care and treatment
Peer counseling and support groups
And above all, compassionate care and consideration for the daughters of our nation.
War Within.org
http://warwithin.org/
The Citizen Soldier Support Program (CSSP) is working to connect servicemembers and their families to primary health care and behavioral health providers trained to address issues that affect military members and the people who support our Nation's troops before, during, and after deployment.