Small gestures, big impact — and most won’t cost you a dime.
The holidays hit differently when you know thousands of service members are spending Christmas far from home. The good news is you don’t need a giant budget to make a difference. A lot of organizations make it easy to send comfort, connection, and a little Christmas cheer to deployed troops.
Here are some of the best ways to help, whether you’ve got five minutes, five bucks, or just a big heart.
1. Send a Holiday Card or Letter
A handwritten Christmas card is still one of the most appreciated things you can send. It’s personal, it’s heartfelt, and it reminds someone overseas that they aren’t forgotten.
Where to do it:
Cost: Free or the price of a stamp.
Tip: Keep it kind, positive, and simple.
2. Fill a Stocking for a Soldier
Groups like Soldiers’ Angels run an annual Christmas program called Holiday Stockings for Heroes. You fill a small stocking with snacks, candy canes, cocoa packets, socks, lip balm, or small games, then send it in.
Learn more here:
Soldiers’ Angels Holiday Stockings for Heroes
Cost: Usually under $10 to fill the stocking.
Sometimes you can drop it off locally so shipping is free.
3. Build a Christmas Care Package
If you want the full DIY vibe, Christmas care packages are always a hit. Think: festive treats, holiday cards, a small Christmas tree, a QR code with a playlist, and useful daily essentials.
Programs to check out:
- Operation Christmas Spirit
- Words of Comfort, Hope & Promise: Operation Christmas Care Packages
- Troopster Holiday Boxes
Cost: Low to moderate, depending on what you include.
4. Add a Christmas Message to a Digital Wall
Some organizations collect messages online and deliver them digitally to deployed troops. It takes seconds and can mean a lot to someone spending Christmas away from home.
Options include:
Cost: Free.
Time: 30 seconds.
5. Donate Reward Points or Airline Miles
You can donate unused hotel points or airline miles to help service members travel to see family during the holidays.
Where to go:
Cost: Free if you’re donating points you already have.
6. Support the Crown Royal Purple Bag Project
The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project lets you help fill comfort kits for deployed troops. You can write notes, pack useful items, or join local events that assemble bags.
Learn more here:
Crown Royal Purple Bag Project
Cost: Free or low-cost depending on where you participate.
7. Give to Organizations That Run Christmas Programs
If you want the easy button, donating even $5 helps send stockings, meals, Christmas gifts, and care packages to deployed troops and military families.
Trusted options:
- Operation Gratitude
- Soldiers’ Angels
- USO Holiday Programs
- Operation We Are Here (holiday program directory)
Cost: Whatever you can spare.
