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Winter Round Up! honors military & first responders

Sacrifice, loyalty and passion are values that unite all those who serve our countries and communities, from the military to police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians.

This winter, Thirty-One Gives is working to honor those who keep us safe by designating all Round Up! donations from December 2019 through February 2020 to organizations that provide resources and support to military and first responders throughout North America. This includes the critical work of helping to break stigmas around seeking help for mental health conditions associated with their service, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Round Up! to make a difference

This winter, our Round Up! partners in the U.S. and Canada include:

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which leads a nationwide effort to honor and remember America’s fallen firefighters and assist their families and coworkers.

The Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation, which fights PTSD with individual and family support, education and training for all Canadian Armed Forces and first responders.

The Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, which supports and honors law enforcement through disaster relief, education, critical incident programs and more.

The USO, which offers programs for families, entertainment and services to the U.S. Armed Forces at 200 locations around the world.

More ways you can help

Rounding up is just the start! There are so many ways you and your family can show your support for military and first responders this season:

Donate. Make a donation to one of our partner organizations, or organize a fundraiser whose proceeds will go directly to our partners. Connect with the organization (or its local chapter) beforehand for any fundraising guidelines.

Say thanks. Get the family together to write letters to your local first responders – hand-written is extra special! For a modern twist, post your gratitude on social media. Even a simple “Thank you for your service” when passing on the street can mean so much!

Find events in your area. During the holidays, many organizations sponsor toy drives and other community programs. In the U.S., you can get involved with your local Toys for Tots drive, organized by the U.S. Marine Corps.  

Offer an act of kindness. Visit your local police department or fire station to drop off homemade sweets or healthy treats – or if you have time, arrange to provide a home-cooked meal. If you see military or first responders eating at a local restaurant, consider paying their bill anonymously.

Send a care package. Pack food, toiletries and heartfelt notes to a friend or family member in the military overseas. Consider including items like small packs of nuts, energy or protein bars, water and flavoring packets, tissues, crackers and notebooks. (Remember to check U.S. and Canadian military regulations before sending!)