The holiday season has always been my favorite time of the year! It’s the smell of something warm in the oven, the sound of laughter as family and friends gather, and, now more than ever, the feeling of gratitude that reminds us what really matters most. But as part of the military family community, I also know that for many of our nation’s service members and their families, this season can look very different.

Some families have an empty chair at the table because a loved one is deployed. Others are doing their best to stretch a paycheck and make the holidays special despite financial strain. The challenges of military life don’t halt for the holidays. However, the strength, love, and resilience within this community never cease to amaze me.

Over our time in the military, my husband and I have spent more Thanksgivings apart from our family than we have together. And although we have created wonderful memories with fellow military families, we have also missed precious moments with our loved ones back home.

That’s why this season, I want to pause and say “Thank you!” to everyone who helps make a military family Thanksgiving possible, through both the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and beyond. Because of your generosity, hope can reach families who truly need it.

The Sacrifice of Military Families During the Holidays

For military families, the holidays can be a bittersweet mix of anticipation and longing. I’ve seen and experienced the strength it takes to celebrate when someone you love is half a world away. I’ve heard the worry in parents’ voices and the determination to make the holidays magical for their children, even when times are tough.

It is estimated that more than 25% of military families face food insecurity. This reality hits especially hard during the holiday season. But what continues to inspire me is how these families find ways to give thanks, stay connected, and keep traditions alive. Resilience is the heart of the military community.

How ASYMCA Programs Brighten Thanksgiving

Every year, ASYMCA programs bring hope and holiday joy to tens of thousands of military families. From food assistance to community gatherings, ASYMCA ensures no family feels forgotten or alone during the holidays.

Operation Holiday Joy

Through initiatives like Operation Holiday Joy, ASYMCA has distributed over 25,000 holiday food baskets and more than 320,000 toys to military families and children nationwide. At local branches, the impact is just as powerful. In Killeen, TX, 400 Thanksgiving meal kits were provided last year.

Each meal represents more than just food; it’s a message of gratitude, comfort, and community.

Operation Ride Home

Operation Ride Home is another ASYMCA program that helps junior enlisted service members travel home for the holidays to reconnect with their families. According to a 2022 survey, 45% of active-duty families reported that time away from family is one of their top challenges. The holiday season amplifies these challenges, making reunions all the more meaningful.

A shared meal, a child’s smile, a heartwarming reunion. All special moments made possible because of your support. Your generosity truly transforms lives.

Gratitude to Our Donors and Supporters

To everyone who has given their time, resources, or encouragement, thank you! Your kindness ensures that military families can experience the warmth and joy of Thanksgiving, even when miles or circumstances keep them apart.

YOU are the reason ASYMCA programs and initiatives thrive. YOU remind every military family that their sacrifices are seen, valued, and honored. And YOU show what it means to be a part of a community that stands strong together.

An Invitation to Give

As we look toward the new year, I invite you to continue standing beside our service members and their families. Your ongoing support sustains vital programs not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.

Now through December 3rd, thanks to our generous partners at SAIC, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar — up to $25,000 — doubling your impact for military families working hard to make ends meet.

By becoming a monthly donor, you can help provide consistent resources: food assistance, childcare, mental health support, and family programs that strengthen military life from deployment to homecoming. Your commitment ensures that no family faces the challenges of military life alone.

Beyond giving financially, there are many heartfelt ways to show military family support. Consider volunteer opportunities within your community or with ASYMCA. Whether it’s helping serve meals, organizing donations, or simply showing up for those who serve us all, every act of kindness — big or small — reminds military families they’re never alone.

This season, as we reflect on all that we’re thankful for, I hope you’ll join us in the spirit of giving. Together, we can make every military family Thanksgiving brighter.

2X YOUR IMPACT