If you want to give back to military members, maybe you should look into setting up something or participating in something for WFTW (Wheelers for the wounded). It combines the thing we love (wheeling) with helping wounded veterans.....pretty worth cause.

Wheelers For The Wounded - Index

 

Hi

Personally, I've been trying to find a way to "give back," or find some charity to support...

I've got my 6 year old daughter going with animals...humane society and such...

Would like to find each one of us in the family a cause to support...

One idea I've had would be children's hosptials...My wife and I are SO extremely fortunate for the health of our kids...I thought maybe it would be nice to help those who have not been so fortunate...so I've been trying to think of a way to support that idea...haven't found a way that I feel good about yet...

but...my most recent thought it...

Putting political thought trains aside and who sent us into war and why and all that gibberish...I truely appreciate the individuals who volunteer to keep me safe...but I don't do much/anything to show that support...

Talking to a friend Wed morning, he mentioned he heard about a fund raising event near Green Bay (3hr drive for us) in memory of a fallen soldier...funds going to raise a money for a scholarship fund I believe...he thought maybe it would be neat to get a group of guys (HS students as we both are teachers and coaches in our district)...to go up to participate...it's a 4 mile run I think he said...

Then I thought...could we do something locally...but maybe for disabled veterans. I was trying to tie strength training (as I'm the strength coach) into it and the idea of no one left behind and the USO slogan of "until everyone comes home." Could do something where we push a Hummvee (where we would get one I don't know) from one location to another...have kids/adults/whoever sign up for sections of the route to push and get sponsorship...

Thinking small maybe from the local Vet memorial by the local hospital (probably 2 miles)...not really all the far...to thinking big, maybe HUGE would be a better word...From the local Vet memorial to the Veterans hospital in Madison (about 25 miles)...

I often have these "big" thoughts or ideas...but most of the time they just stop at that...a passing thought...fizzle out quickly...but...

I don't know...

What would be some of your thoughts? Good idea? Good cause? An idea that should be passed over?

If a good idea...Type of fundraiser (better idea of pushing a humvee?)? Specific charities (for whatever reason I'd rather give to a smaller charity than a bigger one...but also worry about how well any donation would be spent...)?

Thanks for any feedback...

Sounds to me your heart is definitely in the right place.

If were me, and I was to win the lottery, and had a huge sum of extra money, I'd make a huge donation to the St. Jude's Hospital. But then again that's just me, and my choice.

So do whatever feels right to you, I know someone will appreciate it, and that's all that matters.

 

Essentially you're a community minded guy looking for a place to spread the community spirit. By community I'm talking "goodwill among all"; where the body of the community unites in support of those around them. Many hands makes light toil.

I feel these things are best done small and personal. I have little interest in donating to cancer research where the doctors/technicians/technologists/research documentation people/medical equipment manufactures/facilities are all TOP DOLLAR and only the giving are asked to sacrifice. Where's their humanity and goodwill? It tends to end at where their wallet is asked to thin. When they're operating in pole barn with donated top shelf equipment and working for lower salaries to the market, then I'm more than happy to help out with the utilities. But to subsidize a facility where the architectural fee is in the millions ..to have millionaires spend my money? Nope.

Get a list of Vets in need and visit them and get others to do the same. Mow the lawn, buy some groceries ..take up a collection to buy whatever it is and MAKE SURE that the profiteer in the equation is working with you and not merely being a flea on the dog ..that if he could talk would convince you that he's there for the benefit of the dog.

 

Here is a suggestion for helping some people that need it.
Mountain States Childrens Home
I support them with both money and time. I have watched young people get the help they need to turn their lives around, and sometimes even go back to their family. You could always bring your Jeep out to Colorado to check them out, and take the long way via some of our mountain trails. :grin: