War is hell. At least that’s what General Sherman said during the Civil War, and he was on the winning side. Those of us who are fortunate enough not to go to war have been doing a lot to support our troops. We help send care packages, sing patriotic songs, and welcome our soldiers home when the return. Unfortunately, the effects of war are not eliminated by returning home. Soldiers who have returned often need a lot of help and care beyond the little bit of debriefing they receive from the army. Fitting back in and adjusting to civilian life in a combat free area can be difficult, and is often impossible to describe or talk about with people who can’t understand. Fortunately, there are people dedicated to supporting our veterans and we can help. One of the best ways to help is to call a Purple Heart donations pickup center and make a donation.
Who is Purple Heart
According to their website at www.mophsf.org, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (MOPHSF) was incorporated in 1957 with the following purposes and objectives:
- To raise funds to support the work of the MOPH, whose main work includes supporting, maintaining the welfare of, and rehabilitating wounded, disabled, or handicapped veterans and their families.
- To maintain liaison services in United States Department of Veterans Affairs offices, soldier’s homes, or other locations as deemed necessary.
- To give wounded and disabled veterans a voice on any matters of interest and importance to them in the government, particularly those that are or should be the subject of legislation.
- To contribute funds to the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. or to independently assist in providing the above services.
Donate a Car or Truck
The Purple Heart car donation program accepts practically any vehicle even if it is not running. They offer free towing and your donation is completely tax deductible. This can often be a more cost effective thing to do with an old car than to trade it in to the dealer when you buy a new car, and you can feel good about it knowing that you are helping to support the veterans who have fought to help ensure our continued freedom. You can also donate your old boats, RVs, and even motorcycles. You don’t necessarily have to be home when the towing service comes to collect your vehicle; you’d just need to let them know exactly where to find the keys and title. They also offer 24-hour towing service so they are available when you are home as well.
Donate Clothing
If you don’t have a vehicle to donate you can make Purple Heart clothing donations instead. Purple Heart also collects clothing and household items to help fund its work with America’s disabled veterans. They may offer pick up in your area or their limited manpower may mean that you need to bring your items in yourself. Baby items are one of the few things they will not accept because of the safety concerns involved in collecting and reselling them without the original packaging. All items collected are re-sold to thrift stores to be sold to the public.
Supporting our soldiers and veterans is a worthy cause, and it doesn’t have to end with your Purple Heart donations. They accept credit card donations at their website at www.mophsf.org, but you can also be a little more creative in brightening up the life of a veteran. Send a veteran a card containing famous wise quotes or contact First Baptist church for more ideas as they often are involved in community outreach programs for veterans, the homeless, single moms, etc.