Modern Woodmen commits $30,000 to send military children to summer camp
America's youngest heroes may not serve in a traditional sense, but they make sacrifices as well. Modern Woodmen of America has committed to donate $30,000 to support Operation Purple camps in 2011. This will be completed by fundraising by members across the country and a donation from the organization.
To help military families, the National Military Family Association launched Operation Purple camps in 70 locations across the nation. At camp, children of deployed military parents come together to make friends and experience the great outdoors.
Modern Woodmen adult chapters and youth service clubs across the country are assisting in the fundraising effort by selling patriotic window clings in January, February and March 2011. To support the effort, patriotic window clings are available for a donation by contacting Ann Held at 786-6481, ext. 7427.
"This is a way we can thank our nation's military for their sacrifice," says Steve Van Speybroeck, Modern Woodmen's Fraternal Director. "We are grateful for the opportunity to support the children while these men and women bravely serve our nation."
In what other ways does Modern Woodmen support our troops?
Modern Woodmen members across the country support veterans through chapters and youth service clubs. Members donate to and visit VA hospitals, collect items to send to troops overseas and raise money for veterans in need. Veterans are also honored along with other community members through Modern Woodmen's Hometown Heroes program.
How did Modern Woodmen support Quad-Cities area veterans and active military in 2010?
o Modern Woodmen sponsored an entire Honor Flight, sending 100 World War II veterans who are also Modern Woodmen members to Washington, D.C. The veterans visited war memorials, enjoyed time with other Modern Woodmen members and were honored during a special program at Modern Woodmen's 41st National Convention.
o Modern Woodmen employees partnered with AmeriCorps and the River Bandits to assemble 300 America Cares packages for veterans and their children at the VA Hospital in Iowa City. These bags included items that many veterans desperately need, including snacks, personal care items and phone cards.
o Modern Woodmen employees beautified the Eagles Nest Veterans Home, a Davenport home for homeless veterans. The volunteers cleared the yard, planted nearly 100 plants and a tree, and covered graffiti.
o Modern Woodmen members wrote thank-you cards to Honor Flight veterans. More than 200 of these messages were delivered to the World War II veterans on the Honor Flight.
o Modern Woodmen sponsored WQAD's flight to Egypt, where reporters told the stories of local military men and women and taped video messages to loved ones at home.
What are other ways Modern Woodmen gives back to the Quad Cities community?
o Modern Woodmen employees donate more than $100,000 annually to area organizations including United Way. All donations are matched by Modern Woodmen.
o Annually, the Quad Cities received more than $221,000 through fraternal programs - including chapters, youth service clubs, fraternal benefits and youth educational programs.
As a tax-exempt fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen sells life insurance, annuity and investment products not to benefit stockholders but to improve the quality of life of its stakeholders - members, their families and their communities. This is accomplished through social, charitable and volunteer activities. Annually, Modern Woodmen and its members provide more than $23 million and nearly 1 million volunteer hours for community projects nationwide.