Each year, Veterans Day invites us to pause and reflect on the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of those who served in the armed forces. It’s a time to honor veterans, to say “thank you” for the countless ways they stepped up in service to our country. But while parades, ceremonies, and formal acknowledgements matter deeply, there is another powerful way to show appreciation: by giving back.
For many veterans, the transition to civilian life is not easy. Some face homelessness, mental-health challenges, difficulty securing employment, or the all-too-real experience of social isolation.
On Veterans Day, and during the holiday season and beyond, we have an opportunity to step up, reach out, and help improve the lives of those who once dedicated themselves to protecting ours.
Why Giving Back Matters
When veterans put their time, safety, and often health on the line to serve our country, they made a commitment on behalf of all of us. Supporting them now is not simply charity — it’s reciprocity, a recognition of their service. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply offering kindness, these acts carry real weight.
Even small contributions — an hour of your time, a bag of donated goods, or a thoughtful note — can ripple out in meaningful ways. Acts of service strengthen communities and bring purpose. Research shows that people who volunteer often experience better mood, greater social connection, and improved mental health. For instance, people who volunteer report better physical activity, stronger social ties, and reduced feelings of hopelessness.
When we give back, we not only help others, but we strengthen ourselves by connecting to something larger than our individual routines. It becomes an act of gratitude, of community, of meaning.
The Realities Many Veterans Face
To give back in meaningful ways, it helps to understand some of the challenges many veterans encounter.
- Homelessness: According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), veterans account for a disproportionate share of the homeless adult population in the US.
- Mental health challenges: Many veterans live with post-traumatic stress (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, depression, anxiety or substance-use issues. These conditions may remain untreated or under-supported, which exacerbates other life challenges such as housing or employment.
- Social isolation: Some veterans live far from their service networks, family, or supportive communities. The shift from active duty to civilian life sometimes leads to loneliness, a loss of structure, and difficulty connecting with others.
- Employment or financial struggles: Adjusting to civilian employment, translating military experience to civilian roles, and rebuilding their financial footing can be difficult. These factors can contribute to further stress and instability.
Understanding these realities helps us direct our support in ways that meet real need, not just by giving, but by giving thoughtfully.
Ways to Give Back on Veterans Day and Beyond
Here are actionable ways you can show up, make a difference, and help sustain that difference.
- Volunteer Your Time
Serve meals at local shelters or community kitchens that support veterans. A simple act of presence and service can make a big difference.
You can volunteer at a United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, clinic or nursing home. Sometimes just sitting with a resident, chatting, playing a game or reading can brighten their day.
Help with resume writing, job interview prep, or computer skills training for veterans transitioning into civilian employment.
Offer transportation for medical appointments or errands. Mobility can be a hidden barrier many veterans face.
- Donate Goods or Services
Contribute warm clothing, hygiene kits, or non-perishable food items to veteran shelters or outreach programs.
Support drives collecting blankets, socks, and coats heading into winter. These basic items matter more than many realize.
If you have a professional skill — carpentry, accounting, counselling, IT — consider offering it pro bono or at a discount to a veteran or veteran-support organization.
- Financial Contributions
Donate to reputable organizations dedicated to veteran support, for example, Wounded Warrior Project, Homes for Our Troops, Fisher House Foundation, K9s for Warriors and others.
Even small donations fund housing, mental health care or job training programs.
Check with local veteran service organizations, community churches or clinics to see if there are specific donation campaigns around Veterans Day.
- Acts of Kindness and Connection
Write thank-you cards or letters to veterans in hospitals, care homes, or shelters. A simple “thank you for your service” holds meaning.
Invite a veteran neighbor, acquaintance, or family friend to lunch, coffee or a community event. Connection matters.
Attend a local Veterans Day ceremony. Your presence communicates that you value their service.
Encourage younger people, like grandchildren, students, and youth groups, to learn about veterans’ stories, to meet veterans, to ask questions. Intergenerational connection builds understanding and respect.
Keep the Spirit Going Year-Round
Supporting veterans doesn’t end when Veterans Day ends. It’s about sustained connection and commitment.
- Make volunteering a regular habit, whether monthly or quarterly. Consistency matters.
- Check in on a veteran you know. Send a text, invite them out, ask how they’re doing. A little can go a long way.
- Join or support a community or faith-based program that offers ongoing services to veterans.
- Stay informed, learn about the evolving needs of veterans in your region, and respond accordingly.
To build meaningful relationships, we need to keep the spirit of giving alive all year, not make do with just one-time gestures.
How to Find Opportunities Near You
- Reach out to your local VA hospital or outreach center. They often have volunteer service listings.
- Connect with your city’s volunteer or community service office and ask for veteran-focused opportunities.
- Visit websites like VolunteerMatch or Serve.gov to find listings of organizations that serve veterans and accept volunteers.
- Ask local veteran-service organizations, churches, senior centers or community centers. They may coordinate donation drives or service projects specifically for Veterans Day.
Action, connection, and long-term support
Veterans Day is much more than a day of ceremonies and speeches. It’s an invitation to act. Your time, your skill, your compassion, and your presence all add up in profound ways. Whether you give an hour, a meal, or simply a conversation, you honor those who gave everything for others.
Small gestures — a smile, a visit, a shared meal — can mean the world to someone who once served. By showing up, you help make Veterans Day not just a moment of remembrance, but the beginning of a movement of care. Remember, gratitude isn’t only felt — it’s shared, it’s given, and it changes lives.