Awareness is a wonderful thing; and when it is used to illuminate a need within a group, it becomes an inspiration.
It is appropriate that we celebrate Veterans today. With a single word –Veteran – a feeling of blessedness and thanks is the natural and emoted reaction; as it should be for such incredible men and women. Having a day set aside to show our gratitude is paramount, but it is just the beginning.
The need for Veterans is not to be taken lightly, and for those who find themselves in a wheelchair-centric life it presents an entirely new set of challenges. The true inspiration is found in the strength and resiliency that these Veterans meet their daily lives. So, not only on this day, but for the other 364 days of the year we want to shed a light on the ways you can assist our Veterans in wheelchairs.
As with many charities and organizations the most important thing is truth and the knowledge that your time or financial donations are being properly used. With each of the following institutions you have the peace of mind that Veterans who need wheelchair assistance are being helped directly and where their individual needs may be.
The Wounded Warrior Project is a name that may be well known but the depth that their work goes is truly impressive. From construction of wheelchair-able houses to counseling and Independence programs, wheelchair-bound Veterans are given the freedom to live their fullest lives. The Project accepts both donations in time and financial gifts: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
For many of these Veterans the simple matter of shopping for and preparing meals is a challenge. Meals On Wheels is an amazing program that removes the difficulties in that process. Providing pre-made meals via a delivery system enables our disabled Veterans to continue in a regular daily lifestyle. Donations of either time of financial gifts can be done at www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org
Do you know where your local VA Hospital is? There is a chance that many of our Veterans in wheelchairs may not know a local one either. The ability to transport themselves to a VA Hospital presents another challenge as well. We invite you to locate your nearest VA Hospital and discover the ways your time can assist Veterans get to appointments, have housekeeping done, find other local programs, and just someone to spend time with. All this information and more can be found at www.va.gov
In all the small ways we can give back to these truly inspirational men and women, their lives change dramatically and for the better. Nothing can begin to truly show the thanks they deserve, but getting meals for them, driving them to and from appointments, and just being someone to help will make all the difference. Remember, today and on every other day, that they gave so much, and so we should return the favor every chance we have.
Happy Veterans Day and a huge thank you to all the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces.