Maggie and I have been putting together a couple care packages for a friend who is serving in Iraq.  She is a military nurse stationed in the ICU unit of a forward hospital and recently asked if we could send over some cards and children’s drawings for the soldiers who pass through her ward.  I’ve put together a bunch of cards signed by men in my lodge and am working on getting the children’s drawings, too.  It got me thinking about some of the wonderful organizations who do charitable work around the world and for our service men and women stationed overseas.

Doctors Without Borders is an international medical organization that puts medical workers in areas that need them most.  In addition to medical care, they provide and administers drugs, vaccines, and medical supplies, help residents provide clean water, food, and sanitation, and train local medical personnel.  Doctors Without Borders has been in operation for 35 years and maintains over 3,800 field operations each year.

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.com/

Clowns Without Borders brings laughter to children and adults alike in refugee camps, crisis zones, and emergency areas.  The organization is a collection of volunteer performers, artists, and teachers.  Their U.S. headquarters is located in San Francisco and accepts donations through their web site.

http://www.clownswithoutborders.org/

The American Red Cross is one of the oldest organizations of its kind with over 125 years of service.  In addition to their blood collection and relief efforts, in 1905, the U.S. Congress granted the American Red Cross a charter to provide communication between the American people and their armed forces.  Ever since, they have been providing communications and services to members of the U.S. military and their families around the world.  The Red Cross store has a good collection of emergency preparation kits available for sale.

http://www.redcross.org/

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization that provides morale, entertainment, and recreation services to American troops.  They have been in operation for over 65 years since just before the start of World War II and currently operate 132 centers and ten mobile canteens around the world including those in United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Kuwait.  They also provide internet and email access, support groups, and housing and emergency assistance.

http://www.uso.org/

Network for Good is a central repository for charitable organizations, allowing users to contribute money to the charities of their choice.  They have an entire section devoted to charitable organizations that provide aid and comfort to our troops stationed overseas.

http://www.networkforgood.org/

Books for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that provides books, games, DVDs, and relief supplies to our troops through charitable donations.  Volunteers also have access to their online forum, Pen Pal area, and Post Card Jamboree.  Their online store sells stickers, mugs, T-shirts, and magnets.

http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/index.php