Dear MilSpouse
Donation protected
THE STORY:
Being a military spouse can be a difficult and often thankless job. While their spouses are out on the frontlines serving our country and being heroes, they are at home serving their family and our country in a whole different way!
They are raising kids, paying bills, maintaining the home, working, and dealing with life in general -all while their other half is on the other side of the world, often in dangerous situations, for months at a time. It’s hard. It’s lonely. It’s exhausting.
I know this because I'm a military spouse myself. In 2014 my husband was deployed for 8 months. I had a two-year-old daughter and was pregnant with our son. We lived far from family and the days and weeks were long. But thanks to an amazing group of friends and the prayers and support of many others, we made it through that challenging time.
During that deployment, one of my favorite things was when friends or family members would send gifts or notes of encouragement just to let me know they were thinking about us. It meant so much to me that we were cared for during those difficult days.
For the past several months, through my blog (www.servantmama.com)I have been working with a small team of volunteers to send PERSONALIZED gifts to military spouses. We have sent 24 boxed care packages and 10 encouraging notes with gift cards. Every gift we send is unique and tailored specifically for that individual based on their likes and interests.
These photos are just a couple examples of what a gift might look like:
Here is what some of those spouses who received gifts from us have said:
"I received my care package the other day and am so in love with how thoughtful and beautiful it is!"
~ Crystal
"I just wanted to say how nice it was to get such a sweet note and goodies. I appreciate it so much and it reminds me that I am not alone. Thank you again."
~Danielle
OUR GOAL:
Our overarching goal is that no military spouse would feel alone during a deployment, other separation, or difficult season of military life. We want to provide them with encouragement and hope. We want them to know that as they serve their families and their countries that what they do matters and is appreciated.
For the short term, we are focused primarily on sending the personalized care packages. Looking to the future, we hope to partner with local churches near military installations to ensure that they are operating at their highest potential to meet the needs of military spouses in their congregations and communities.
Our goal is to turn this ministry into an official 501c3 non-profit. This will enable us to expand the work that we do and reach so many more military spouses. In order to make that happen, we need to raise a minimum of $5,500.
HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN ON THE NUMBERS:
-State incorporation fees, IRS fees, and working with a licensed expert to guarantee we get approval- $2,000
-Branding, website design, marketing materials- $2,500
-Miscellaneous operating expenses for year one- $600
-Sending our first 10 gifts- $400
(Since that's what it's all about!)
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- DONATE to this page, whether it's $5 or $500.
- SHARE our story on social media.
- PRAY that we will reach or even exceed our goal. Also, pray about becoming a monthly supporter once we achieve non-profit status.
*This campaign will end on May 30th, so please act now!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
We couldn't do this without you! Thank you for your support! Thank you for showing that you truly do care for and appreciate our military families.
Being a military spouse can be a difficult and often thankless job. While their spouses are out on the frontlines serving our country and being heroes, they are at home serving their family and our country in a whole different way!
They are raising kids, paying bills, maintaining the home, working, and dealing with life in general -all while their other half is on the other side of the world, often in dangerous situations, for months at a time. It’s hard. It’s lonely. It’s exhausting.
I know this because I'm a military spouse myself. In 2014 my husband was deployed for 8 months. I had a two-year-old daughter and was pregnant with our son. We lived far from family and the days and weeks were long. But thanks to an amazing group of friends and the prayers and support of many others, we made it through that challenging time.
During that deployment, one of my favorite things was when friends or family members would send gifts or notes of encouragement just to let me know they were thinking about us. It meant so much to me that we were cared for during those difficult days.
For the past several months, through my blog (www.servantmama.com)I have been working with a small team of volunteers to send PERSONALIZED gifts to military spouses. We have sent 24 boxed care packages and 10 encouraging notes with gift cards. Every gift we send is unique and tailored specifically for that individual based on their likes and interests.
These photos are just a couple examples of what a gift might look like:
Here is what some of those spouses who received gifts from us have said:
"I received my care package the other day and am so in love with how thoughtful and beautiful it is!"
~ Crystal
"I just wanted to say how nice it was to get such a sweet note and goodies. I appreciate it so much and it reminds me that I am not alone. Thank you again."
~Danielle
OUR GOAL:
Our overarching goal is that no military spouse would feel alone during a deployment, other separation, or difficult season of military life. We want to provide them with encouragement and hope. We want them to know that as they serve their families and their countries that what they do matters and is appreciated.
For the short term, we are focused primarily on sending the personalized care packages. Looking to the future, we hope to partner with local churches near military installations to ensure that they are operating at their highest potential to meet the needs of military spouses in their congregations and communities.
Our goal is to turn this ministry into an official 501c3 non-profit. This will enable us to expand the work that we do and reach so many more military spouses. In order to make that happen, we need to raise a minimum of $5,500.
HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN ON THE NUMBERS:
-State incorporation fees, IRS fees, and working with a licensed expert to guarantee we get approval- $2,000
-Branding, website design, marketing materials- $2,500
-Miscellaneous operating expenses for year one- $600
-Sending our first 10 gifts- $400
(Since that's what it's all about!)
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- DONATE to this page, whether it's $5 or $500.
- SHARE our story on social media.
- PRAY that we will reach or even exceed our goal. Also, pray about becoming a monthly supporter once we achieve non-profit status.
*This campaign will end on May 30th, so please act now!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
We couldn't do this without you! Thank you for your support! Thank you for showing that you truly do care for and appreciate our military families.
Organizer
Sarah Gates
Organizer
Norfolk, VA