Christmas is quickly approaching, and if you’re anything like me then you’re now entering panic mode.
Between Christmas shopping and budgeting and planning a holiday menu, you’re probably feeling pretty wiped out already.
Here Comes the Holidays … and the stress.
Moms everywhere are in overdrive this time of year, and for military spouses, in particular, it can come with added pressures. Your significant other could be deployed or maybe you just PCSed clear across the country. Maybe you’re just praying that leave will get approved, so you didn’t just buy those plane tickets back home for nothing.
Enter Support Military Spouses
No matter what the factors are, you deserve something special. That’s where Dr. Steven and Diane Rumley come in. They co-founded the organization, Support Military Spouses in an effort to honor the strength, courage, and sacrifices of military husbands and wives. Their nonprofit provides a number of services to military spouses on the East Coast.
These services include:
- Job Skills Training
- Job fairs
- Money management workshops
- Littlest Heroes (a book program for military kids)
- Military spouse care packages
Christmas Care Packages
The upcoming Support Military Spouses care package event is a favorite of mine. Each year they put together adorable little gift bags filled with things like Hallmark stationary, coffee mugs, Stella and Dot jewelry, pampering items, and (always included) a copy of the New Testament.
During these events. they invite spouses (after registering online for free) to come out for the care packages while enjoying complimentary coffee (and in the past few years complimentary breakfast). Kids are always welcome, and in the Christmas events that I have attended, they have even handed out Christmas gifts to the kids!
Why You’ll Always Catch Me There
Attending this event is such a great way for local spouses to come together and meet one another. It’s so important in this lifestyle to make genuine connections with women who know what you and your family are going through.
It’s also such a great way to feel appreciated during the overwhelming holiday season. Whether your spouse is deployed or just working long hours, it’s nice to know your efforts are not going unnoticed.
The Rumleys and everyone who volunteers for them are such genuine people. It feels as if you’ve known them for years. And after listening to the kind words the Rumleys speak at each event, they feel the same. Each care package even includes a handwritten note from someone who personally wants to thank you and your family for your service.
It’s heartwarming to know that there is such a selfless organization out there who just wants to pay it forward and do something nice for the military community.
Attend One Near You
Unfortunately, the organization has not had the opportunity to expand nationwide yet. Hopefully as the word spreads they will be able to do so and help support military spouses all over the country.
To see if Support Military Spouses will be delivering a care package near you, visit its registration here.
While you’re there, check out some of the other great resources they have to offer!
And remember to just stop and breathe this holiday season. You’ll get through it. (And if that doesn’t help, there’s always coffee … or wine)
Have you attended a Support Military Spouses event yet? Do you know of another great organization with similar resources for military families?
If so, drop a link below!
