By Amy Miller, AFC®
Created in 2012, GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year and is a movement designed to encourage people to do good, celebrate generosity, and inspire giving. This year, that day falls on November 29th.
Taking it a step further to support their mission of helping military families, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), Army Emergency Relief (AER), Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), and the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) are turning up the heat and challenging each other to raise as many funds as possible by creating the #Battle4BraggingRights campaign to coincide with GivingTuesday.
This year, for the first time, these aid societies for military families will duke it out to see who can raise the most funds (but no worries – it’s a friendly fight!) Every dollar will directly help service members and their families with financial assistance, education support, and emergency aid.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)
Started in 1904 by a group of Naval Officers, their wives, and a few civilians, The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society works alongside the Navy & Marine Corps to aid members of both branches and their family members when in need. They provide both financial and non-financial assistance and solutions that improve military families’ overall well-being.
You can cast your “vote” during this battle by donating to them here.
Army Emergency Relief (AER)
In existence for over 80 years, AER’s mission is to alleviate financial distress Soldiers may experience. AER provides grants, interest-free loans, scholarships, and readiness programs for active-duty service members, their families, and veterans. Since its inception, AER helped support over 4 million Soldiers.
If you would like to support Soldiers Helping Soldiers cast your vote and contribute to AER here.
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)
Incorporated in 1942, the AFAS is the official charity for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force and prides itself on its long-standing work and commitment to enhancing the lives of Airman & Guardians. With support from donors, AFAS provides emergency assistance, financial assistance, education, and community programs to service members and their families.
AFAS assures all donors that 100% of their gift is utilized to support their mission. You can learn more and support them here.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)
Acting as the official relief society for the U.S. Coast Guard, CGMA was first established by Coast Guard members for Coast Guard Members with a mission of looking after their own. CGMA serves those in need by promoting financial stability and well-being through interest-free loans, education, PCS support, and any needs associated with unexpected financial hardships.
You can help CGMA win by contributing on their website.
Join the Fight!
Each of these aid societies relies on donors to administer these programs and is grateful for any contribution received on GivingTuesday and every other day.
Join the movement by visiting #Battle4BraggingRights
All contributions up to $1 Million will be matched by Lockheed Martin. Active duty and retired service members are able to contribute by allotment as well on each organization’s website.
The winner will be crowned at midnight on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.