Support America’s veterans, families as part of Giving Tuesday

For more than a century, America Legion members have extended their service to improving their communities, states and nation. While America has defeated enemies, foreign and domestic, since the Legion’s founding in 1919, it has rarely encountered such a devastating and widespread attack as the current COVID-19 crisis.

American Legion posts and members are dutifully fulfilling their commitments, serving their communities with food, masks and kindness.

Now, American Legion National Commander Bill Oxford encourages members to extend that support to the national Day of Giving, May 5. Donations will help support America’s veterans, servicemembers and their families.

The Day of Giving — hashtag #GivingTuesdayNow on social media — is a global day of giving and unity, as a response to COVID-19. It’s designed to drive an influx of generosity and hope for communities and nonprofits across the globe.

“At a time when we are all experiencing uncertainty, generosity can bring us together,” Oxford said. “It gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on. Giving Tuesday will be a day for everyone around the world to stand together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where we are.”

America’s veterans and their families are among the hardest hit by the deadly coronavirus. In response, The American Legion is providing critical support for veterans and military members with families in need.

For example, Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) grants provide immediate debt-free cash to current active duty or American Legion members with dependent children, to help meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses. The need for these grants is expected to grow at an unprecedented rate as the coronavirus crisis deepens. Support of The American Legion Veteran & Children Foundation helps build reserves for TFA grants that will help families in the months ahead.

Oxford also points out that American Legion members don’t need to wait until May 5 to help. Donations for Giving Tuesday are being accepted and now and will go toward supporting our nation’s veterans and their families.