Operation Homefront, a nonprofit that helps financially support military families, is remembering America’s heroes ahead of the July 4th holiday. According to KRDO, Operation Homefront gave away 300 bags full of picnic snacks for military families to enjoy on the holiday weekend, along with a $50 gift card for groceries. Giving back to those who protect and defend our nation, Operation Homefront’s act of kindness reminds all of the importance of recognizing the sacrifices that have been made by American heroes since independence was declared.
The annual tradition for July 4 is welcomed by military families who sometimes cannot make ends meet. Military wife Elizabeth Huddleston shared that Operation Homefront’s July 4th event helps her family celebrate the holiday without straining their budget for a family of six.
Helping America’s heroes is Operation Homefront’s priority. Beth Desloges, an Area Manager for Operation Homefront, said that many people falsely perceive military families to be well-off, while in fact many families struggle with finances. According to Operation Homefront, 21% of families face financial instability, 26% of families face food insecurity, and 61% of families are paying more than they can afford for housing.
Operation Homefront helps provide financial support for urgent needs of military families. Their mission is to “build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive, not simply struggle to get by, in the communities – OUR communities – they have worked so hard to protect.” Since 2011, they have helped more than 20,000 families with financial assistance totaling more $37 million.
Desloges shared that the July 4th event means so much to military families who are “away from their support system” around the holidays. Being able to help them have an enjoyable holiday weekend is a very special way to give back and say thank you.