The VFW is excited to announce a new partnership with the USO, providing VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members with additional volunteer and service opportunities in their local communities. This partnership brings together two organizations that share common missions and rich histories supporting our troops and military families.
VFW members have a proud tradition of community service with volunteerism benefiting education, America’s youth and civic projects. Each year VFW and Ladies Auxiliary members donate more than 11 million volunteer hours to community service projects and local VA medical facilities.
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization that lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. It provides a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top-quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. The USO also provides critical support to those who need it most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families, and the families of the fallen.
Here are just a few of the many ways VFW members can get involved with the USO:
Host a Book Drive to support United Through Reading’s Military Program
United Through Reading’s Military Program enables a service member to video record themselves reading a children’s book to their little ones back home. The USO then ships the DVD and book home to their family free of charge. You can help by hosting a book drive. Groups may also include bookmarks with their donation. Contact Lisa Ferrari at lferrari@uso.org or 703-740-4938 to request your book drive how-to guide.
Holiday Box Item Drive
The USO’s new Holiday Box program is aimed at bringing some holiday cheer to our troops stationed in Areas of Responsibility. The goal is to offer a touch of home to those serving in dangerous and harsh conditions during major U.S. holidays throughout the year. Each Holiday Box contains decorations, treats and a unique way to connect troops to their loved ones back home. Currently, the USO offers four different Holiday Boxes: Valentine’s Day/Super Bowl, Memorial Day/Independence Day (Summer), Halloween/Thanksgiving, Winter Holiday (to include optional Christmas/Hanukah). Contact Lisa Ferrari at lferrari@uso.org or 703-740-4938 for a list of pre-approved items for the Holiday Box program.
USO Center Supply Drive
Provide the troops and their families with extra comforts of home! Donate food, books, school supplies and other items that our centers need most! With thousands of people using USO centers, supplies can run out faster than expected. Work with your local USO center to determine any product or amenity needs they might have.
Get Involved With Your Local USO Center
Thanks to dedicated volunteers, more than 160 USO centers are provide a place where troops can unwind, connect with family back home and take a break from the daily stresses of military duty. Even if you are unable to volunteer on a regular basis, local USO centers often have programs and events that need your support.
For more information about these opportunities and other ways to get involved, please visit www.uso.org. To find your local USO center, click here or call 703-740-4938 to connect with your local center.