I walked into Walmart this morning and the local chapter of the DAV was collecting donations at the door. Around here in the summer this is almost an every 2 week thing, with a different veteran group each time. I don't mind giving them a small donation as i walk past, but I can't help but wonder if I'm just supporting a social club, or does this really benefit/support veterans in some way. Please note: I'm not a veteran and so have no understanding of these setups, but I've heard (often) that the VFW (for example) is just a watering hole. So for hose of you who belong/understand/support these outfits I'd like to know if there are better ways to support veterans causes. I'm likely to keep giving them donations at the door, but still have this nagging question about whether it helps anyone.

Fred, I used to be a member of the VFW and The American Legion. Both of them were social clubs/watering holes. Both had fundraising events but, we never had donation drives. We did provide equipment like wheel chairs, canes, walkers and etc. And, built several ramps for veterans. Both organizations offered help to veterans in obtaining assistance through the VA and, getting educational benefits. Bear in mind though, the things we did were all local. Each club has their own spending priorities.  

For more specifically purposed organization, check out Operation Ward 57. http://www.operationward57.org/about/

Edited August 24, 20196 yr by Gene Howe

I will preface this with, this is MY personal opinion.  That being said a good many of these so called veterans group charities are merely a income for a small group of people.  A 501c charity has certain rules for donations verses using them and this has been exploited, this is common no matter what the cause they push for.  This is sad because the people who want to donate do so thinking they make a difference when in reality maybe 3 cents on a dollar does anything.

 

So what can you do to help and have it make a difference?  Here are a few approaches.  Each year we have a drive here for a family, John has the particulars get involved with this. This program https://www.finewoodworking.com/2017/07/17/woodworking-is-therapy-for-wounded-warriors  is a real charity that truly benefits veterans.  A good friend of mine went through it and his personal experience was enough to convince me.

 

If you attend a church inquire what they know about local disabled veterans / veterans and look into being directly involved with a small group or a few individuals.  Even if you don't attend most churches have someone that does know and will gladly give you the information.  Getting involved directly, one  on one does the greatest amount of good possible.  Sure you may not have served so you don't have a reference for what they went through, but you need not be a councilor for them.  Dropping off a bag of groceries, or cutting the grass, a surprise gift of some item they need.  All these things mean something and provide assistance directly.

 

Case in point:  A local pastor that is a friend of mine got with me about a disabled vet at his church.  The guy's wife left him and took everything including his work truck and tools.  Despite his injuries he could still do home repairs and such.  Without a truck or tools he was in limbo.  The church provided a truck, I refurbed it and made a list of tools he would need to get back to work.  The church did a drive for it and within a week they had everything at my doorstep.  Took me a few days to get the truck decked out with storage containers and such for the tools.  A local merchant provided nails, screws, caulk and some spackling compound and such.  Neighbor up the street gave the guy $1000 cash seed money to help with expenses.

 

That was 3 years ago.  Today same guy has a house, a solid business with a month waiting list, 4 employee's (all veterans) and most important he in turn reaches out to other DAV's.

 

 

Well done, Gunny. You are absolutely correct. Helping on an individual basis is always the best. 

And, lets not forget our own PWW efforts each year. 

This is my "Go To" for knowing what is good, and what is not.

 

Charity Navigator - Your Guide To Intelligent Giving | Home

WWW.CHARITYNAVIGATOR.ORG

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Charity Navigator is the largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities in the United States providing data on 1.8 million...

 

My family donates and volunteers for this great organization (Homes for our Troops), who spends 88.5 percent of their funds on the intended recipients.

Charity Navigator - Rating for Homes For Our Troops

WWW.CHARITYNAVIGATOR.ORG

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Homes For Our Troops is rated 4 out of 4 stars by Charity Navigator. Homes For Our Troops receives 91.69 out of 100 for...

 

@Fred W. Hargis Jr, the DAV spends an amazing 94.5 percent of it's funding on the veterans directly, the remaining 5.5 percent is overhead, I'd say you got a great organization there to donate too.

Charity Navigator - Rating for DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust

WWW.CHARITYNAVIGATOR.ORG

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DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust is rated 4 out of 4 stars by Charity Navigator. DAV (Disabled...

 

Our special Christmas project involving Operation Ward 57 is not rated by Charity Navigator because they do less than 1 million dollars in their services, in other words Operation Ward 57 is run on a very small budget, and it's just not that big yet. Thus the reason why I like it as well.

It's good to know that the DAV is rated highly. 

8 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

It's good to know that the DAV is rated highly. 

Also something I did not know about DAV, is they are not a 501(c) charity. They are considered a social welfare establishment. If you go to their website you'll see they kind of do it all. Mainly they act as a liaison between the veteran and red tape, and so much more. I like DAV.

 

DAV - I Help Veterans

WWW.IHELPVETERANS.ORG

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Learn how you can get involved with DAV to help veterans.

 

22 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

And, lets not forget our own PWW efforts each year. 

100 percent of funds received for our Christmas project, goes to the cause!

We may have to start fundraising for that project much earlier this year, traffic is down here and we may need more time to acquire funds.

 

Something else to consider as well.  Many times it is not about money or physical need.  These people get into a slump and just seem to drown in self pity or loath. They need a jump start.  Marines are trained to be self sufficient.  Sometimes it just takes an old Gunny to remind them "remember who you are".  Of course some need this reminder more often than others, just like when we were on active duty.  Always had that one hard headed individual that seems to enjoy painting rocks, top and bottom.

Thanks guys, appreciate the comments.

I agree that most of these organizations seem and appear to be social clubs and watering holes.  Often around here, there is a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) who can help you get through the red tape to get to where you need to go.  I knew the lady who ran one of the local DAV clubs.  Like someone said, they did purchase mobility equipment for veterans.  I had a wonderful experience with Paralyzed Veterans of America.  You can pick up the phone and ask for some assistance.  I send them a small check each month.  The representative came from Montgomery, AL to talk to our MS support group.  Several folks in the group were veterans and had no idea that there was support for them.  He took the time to meet with each one, give them a packet of what they needed, offered to assist them, gave his phone number and very informative about how to get through the hoops.  My guess, is if you wish to support one, pick one that best represents your values and support them.