This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
Today I’m excited to be collaborating with Walmart as part of their Holiday Salute to Military Families. This year, Walmart is giving way $2 million in grants to assist military members and their families through a partnership with Operation Homefront and Fisher House. So much of the holidays revolve around spending time with loved ones. For military families who are separated, it’s often the hardest part of the season so I’m grateful that Walmart is recognizing these families and their sacrifices!
Last year, about a week before Christmas, we delivered cookies to families who were alone due to deployment. One family had just been told that their husband/father would arrive home in time for Christmas – they were elated and were anxious to get the flight information that would give them the exact time that they would be reunited. In the next house we visited, a woman shared how her neighbor had come over to hang the Christmas lights since he knew she was pregnant and had a toddler. Another person talked about the inevitable “Murphy’s Law “ of deployments. In his case, within a week of his wife deploying, his daughter’s school called him in the middle of the day with an emergency. At each house, the families were making the best of the situation. They mentioned celebrating holidays ahead of time or that they planned to open gifts over video chat. But that didn’t take away from the disappointment of not having their loved ones present during this special time of the year.
Walmart is donating gifts, toys, meals and lodging to military families by working with Operation Homefront and Fisher House. This is especially close to my heart this year as my family will be staying in a Fisher House later this month. Additionally, Operation Homefront will be flying home more than 500 service members so that they can spend the holidays with their families! I cannot think of a better gift you could give a military family!!
Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving, which was closely followed by Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But today is #GivingTuesday – a campaign encouraging people to give during the holiday season. Here are two easy ways you can give right now!
1) Partner with Walmart to raise money for Operation Homefront and Fisher House. These organizations are a blessing to many military families, mine included. Click on the links provided to give online.
2) Join in our Holiday Salute to Military Families by thanking a military member and/or their family. Leave a comment here telling me about your hero and then share this post on social media. Remember to tag the military member you are thankful for so they can see your appreciation!
I’ll start: In addition to my husband who serves in the Air Force, I’m grateful for my friends who are military spouses. I’ve seen you in laughter and in tears. I’ve watched your families endure deployments and I’ve seen your excitement over homecomings. You serve silently and without much appreciation, but today I want you to know that I am so grateful for each of you! Thank you!
Am so thrilled that positive steps are being taken to show needed support and appreciation to our military families.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate Caleb and Callie as they seek to serve and encourage others. Many thanks.