If you’re looking for a feel-good story, you’re in the right place!
Veterans Rideshare is passionate about giving back to the individuals and their families that have given so much to our country. This mission is especially important during the holidays.
We have teamed up with Army Wife 101 a few times now, and have made a difference in the lives of these active duty service members and their families
- A Thanksgiving feast for a family in need — Military spouse Catie Hutchins shares, “I have been my husband’s caregiver for over four years since he was injured in Iraq. We were told that my husband no longer qualifies for the VA Caregiver program. I tried to go back to work part-time to help make ends meet, but my husband was unable to care for our four children due to his severe PTSD as well as a TBI.” Veterans Rideshare surprised the family with a $200 gift card so that they could enjoy a Thanksgiving feast to remember. She replied, “Thank you so much, the card was very touching and it brought tears to our eyes. We honestly can’t begin to tell you and Veterans Rideshare how much this really means to our family.
- Christmas cards for deployed soldiers — Veterans Rideshare connected with an American soldier who was deployed with German allies in Afghanistan. The organization held an event where individuals could make cards and sent care packages to this unit of Americans and Germans. SSG Steven Casares received 27 boxes of cards and goodies while deployed. He happily shared, “I am winning with the most packages sent to me, thank you so much, Veterans Rideshare! Everyone loved all the cards and the German servicemembers especially loved the American snacks. Our offices are full with cards on the walls!”
- Sent a dual-military couple home for the holidays — The Lumpkins are a dual military couple with a young daughter, stationed in Alaska. Veterans Rideshare covered roundtrip airfare in December so that their family of three could go home to both families for the holidays. It was immensely special as both sets of grandparents were able to meet their granddaughter for the first time. SPC Lumpkin shares, “Thanks to everyone with Veterans Rideshare that made this possible, we are FOREVER grateful for the memories we can carry on with. This was a true Christmas Miracle none of us will ever forget.”
- $500 Christmas Giveaway for a military family — Veterans Rideshare hosted this $500 Christmas Giveaway. More than 130 deserving military families were nominated, and the winner selected was the Roberts family. Mrs. Roberts was a widow whose husband served in the Navy. After the death of her daughter in a tragic accident, she gained full custody of her four grandkids, ages 4, 7, 13 and 16. Mrs. Roberts was nominated by her neighbor who shares, “I have watched this poor family struggle so hard just to make ends meet. They never have enough but they never complain. They all love each other so much, it breaks my heart to see them suffer and never lose hope. If any one deserves to have a nice Christmas they do, so please help this family.” Veterans Rideshare selected the Roberts family as the winner, received wish lists for each family member, and sent them a Christmas they’ll always remember. Mrs. Roberts went from not knowing how to give her grandkids a Christmas to sharing, “Thank you so very much for choosing us. Veterans Rideshare has made what was going to be a not-so-great day into what will be a wonderful day. Thank you again from my heart for everything.”
A self-described “Jackie of All Trades,” Army wife Jackie Toops enjoys exploring the various facets of her personality by chronicling military life, world travels, family, her love of the arts and more. Her academic background is in the fields of Interdisciplinary Humanities, Museum Studies and Nonprofit Management, and she has overseen public relations for museums, galleries and universities. Jackie’s articles have been featured on Army Wife 101, Wall Street International Magazine, SoFluential, HomeAway, Military Biz Connection and FamiliesGo. While stationed in Germany, she regularly discussed her articles on-air with the Armed Forces Network in Wiesbaden. A mother of two, Jackie enjoys coffee, freelance writing, languages and discovering new ways to express herself. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
