How to Donate to the War on Terrorism

The devastation caused on September 11, 2001, left many Americans wondering how they could help fight the war against terrorism. Donating, whether in the form of time, money or goods, is one way to participate in efforts to decrease violence by terrorist groups worldwide.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Write letters to U.S. soldiers participating in the war on terrorism. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, remember that your words of encouragement might lift the spirits of a soldier dedicated to defending your freedom.
2. Purchase a Patriot Bond through your local financial institution. These savings bonds are a conservative investment, and a portion of the money invested goes toward international anti-terrorism efforts.
3. Donate to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), a nonpartisan organization developed to promote democratic values and raise awareness about terrorist activities and the tenets that drive them. The FDD combines journalistic efforts with policy research, and supports Israeli and Arab democracy advocates worldwide. While the FDD receives support from philanthropy groups and foundations, they also rely on individual donations. Visit the FDD website to read more about the organization's mission and donate to their cause (see Resources below).
4. Turn your old cell phones and batteries over to Soldiers' Angels, a non-profit, volunteer organization (see Resources below). Soldiers' Angels has joined with cell phone broker Pace Butler to exchange used phones and batteries for prepaid calling cards. All calling cards are sent to deployed soldiers fighting the war on terrorism, enabling them to call home to connect with family and friends. Soldiers' Angels also accepts monetary donations, along with other goods.
5. Give up your frequent flier miles. Operation Hero Miles is a nonprofit effort that allocates donated airline miles to family members of wounded soldiers, allowing them to visit the military medical center where their loved one is hospitalized (see Resources below).
6. Visit ImpactAHero.org to donate money to the families of wounded soldiers injured while fighting the war on terrorism (see Resources below). Many of these soldiers' families are struggling to make ends meet, and donated funds go toward family living expenses, groceries and other necessities.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your tax professional to see whether your donations to the war on terrorism are tax deductible. While you cannot deduct the value of airline miles, nearly all cash donations can be written off.