How to Support Military Families This Holiday Season
September 2, 2025
The holidays are a time for generosity, connection, and community—and Soldiers’ Angels makes it easy to share that spirit with Service Members, Veterans, and military families in need. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, or apply for support, our holiday programs to support Military and Veteran families bring joy and comfort to those who have sacrificed so much.
Kick Off the Season with Treats for Troops
Halloween candy can do more than give kids a sugar rush—it can lift the spirits of our heroes! Through Treats for Troops, individuals, schools, and businesses collect extra Halloween candy to be shared with deployed Service Members, Veterans in VA hospitals, and military families. Every piece of candy is a small reminder that someone back home is thinking of them. Stay tuned to the Treats for Troops page for a map of locations where you can drop off your candy donations!
Businesses and organizations can make an even greater impact by registering as a candy collection site. Hosting a collection not only supports our troops but also brings your community together around a meaningful cause—turning leftover Halloween candy into smiles for Service Members and Veterans. Registration opens in September, so stay tuned to the Treats for Troops page for full details!
Make Candy Bags
Want to take your candy donations a step further? Volunteers can assemble candy bags filled with treats and a personal note of encouragement. These small packages spread big joy—especially for Veterans and Service Members spending the holidays away from home. The best part? You don’t have to be a registered Angel volunteer to join in—and candy bags are welcome year-round!
Holiday Stockings for Heroes
Holiday Stockings for Heroes »
Nothing says “holiday cheer” like opening a festive stocking. Through Holiday Stockings for Heroes, volunteers pledge to fill stockings with snacks, hygiene items, downtime items, and holiday goodies. These stockings are delivered to Service Members and Veterans—making sure no hero is forgotten during the holidays.
To take part, you’ll need to be a registered Angel volunteer, and stocking opportunities always go fast! 🎄 Register to become a volunteer now to avoid the last-minute holiday rush. Stocking pledges will be available on the Angel Dashboard beginning October 1, 2025.
Add a Handmade Ornament
Add a personal touch by crafting a handmade holiday ornament. These ornaments are tucked into holiday stockings and often become cherished keepsakes—reminding Service Members and Veterans that they are loved and supported. The best part? You don’t need to be a registered Angel volunteer to participate, and you can make ornaments whether or not you’re filling stockings.
- If you are participating in Holiday Stockings for Heroes: include one completed ornament in each stocking you pledge.
- If you’re not participating in Stockings: simply ship your ornaments to our warehouse, and we’ll make sure they’re included in a stocking!
- If you are participating in Holiday Stockings for Heroes: include one completed ornament in each stocking you pledge.
- If you’re not participating in Stockings: simply ship your ornaments to our warehouse, and we’ll make sure they’re included in a stocking!
Adopt-A-Family: Make the Holidays Brighter
For many military and Veteran families, the holidays can bring financial stress. Through Soldiers’ Angels Holiday Adopt-A-Family, volunteers “adopt” a family for the season—providing gifts for the children and a grocery gift card for a holiday meal. This program not only relieves financial burdens but also delivers joy and peace of mind to families who have sacrificed so much for our country.
- Registration to receive support will be open from September 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025, or until capacity is reached. Interested applicants can learn more here »
- Registration to Adopt-A-Family opens September 29th! You must be a registered Angel volunteer to participate, and families are adopted quickly each year. To make sure you don’t miss your chance to adopt a family, register as an Angel volunteer today.
Bring Holiday Cheer to Our Heroes
From a simple bag of Halloween candy to adopting an entire family, every effort makes a difference. By volunteering, donating, or applying for support through our holiday programs to support Military and Veteran families, you can be part of a community that ensures Service Members, Veterans, and military families feel appreciated and remembered throughout the holiday season.
About the Author
Michelle Julazadeh Chavarin has been with Soldiers’ Angels since 2013, when she was hired as the sole member of the Marketing and Communications team. Today, she leads a dynamic group of employees, Skillbridge interns, Veteran interns, and contractors who work together to amplify the mission and impact of the organization.
