Charity is a wonderful thing. For those that give back, it offers a sense of involvement. For those that receive, it offers a sense of comfort.
You can ultimately choose who and what you donate to as well. If you find yourself with a few extra bucks or time to spend, it’s common for a lot of people to give back to a cause that is near and dear to them.
I am a strong advocate for helping the military community. I volunteer with local organizations that help families in and around my current duty station. I also do what I can for those that need it outside my area.
As a result, I usually patronize companies and brands that give back to our military and veteran community. There are so many different ones out there that it’s difficult to pinpoint them all!
Here are 13 brands and corporations that stand out to me:
Here are a few brands and corporations that give back to service members, military spouses and veterans.
Food, Beverage and Household Goods
- Frito Lay
- Purina
- Kimberly Clark
- Nestle Waters
In celebration of the grand opening of a new commissary in Jacksonville, Fla., these companies have joined forces to give back to the military community by planning to give away more than 300 prizes. If you’re in the Jacksonville area, be sure to stop by the grand opening scheduled for the last week in July!
When you purchase the military match set from Community Coffee Company they give back that same product to service members that are serving overseas. It’s called their Military Match Program and so far, they have donated 4.2 million cups of coffee.
Did you know that Coca-Cola was a founding partner with the USO? This year, the USO celebrates 75 years of unwavering commitment to the military community. I am continually amazed at the ongoing efforts and support via the USO and it’s great to know that a company as big as Coca-Cola gives back to the military community.
Retail
I discovered Macy’s corporate giving campaign for military veterans while shopping at a local store a couple years back. It was a great surprise to know of their partnership with Got Your 6, an organization that is aimed to empower veterans. Mark your calendars because from May 13-15 when you donate $3 while shopping in-store, you’ll receive 25% off your total purchase.
The company gives back to an amazing organization that helps expecting military mothers called Operation Shower. Since 2012, Babies “R” Us has donated must-have items for expecting mothers from all branches stationed around the country.
Brands
10% of all Sword & Plough sales go back to military service organizations. Sword & Plough is a veteran-owned company that has the mission to bring awareness to veteran employment and bridge the military-civilian divide.
According to their website, this apparel company “exists to support” the Oscar Mike Foundation. Every purchase gives back to the veteran community, particularly those that have been injured during military service.
Starbucks gives back to the military and veteran communities in more ways than one, but their commitment to employ veterans and military spouses is beyond amazing. I’m happy to say it’s becoming a trend in the corporate world and you could check out more companies in the line with Starbucks’ commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses by checking out the Hiring Our Heroes website.
They have donated $11 million to military charities since 1987, including the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Fisher House, USO and many more! When I was reading their long history of military support, it’s actually fascinating what support was like in the 1940s. I encourage you to read more about it here.
Institutions
CSU has a “Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship” that gives back to the military spouses and children of active duty service members.
There are so many other companies out there that give back to military-affiliated organizations. Next time you’re shopping, take a closer eye on the store walls or packaging.
Great article. I had no idea about the expectant mom donations from Babies “R” Us. That’s very thoughtful. I’m absolutely more supportive of the brands and corporations that support our military and veterans. When you have soldiers and their families giving the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, I don’t think a discount or donation is too much to ask for 🙂