SCMFO’s priority continues to be to respond to the day-to-day requests for emergency assistance—including unexpected and un-budgeted financial challenges. In 2021 alone we provided more than $57,000 in Direct Assistance to military families. This assistance included purchasing Commissary Cards, MCX Gas Cards, other gift cards, infant and toddler clothing, diapers and wipes, paying for major car repairs, non-covered medical and dental expenses, emergency compassionate travel expenses, purchasing air conditioners or air purifiers to help children with respiratory illnesses and purchasing washers & dryers. We have learned that the needs are endless for families at the pay grade of E6 and below who have a hard time making ends meet each month, let alone paying for unexpected, unbudgeted emergencies.
Additionally during 2021, SCMFO spent another $43,000 in towards Program Activities targeting other non-emergency needs of military families. SCMFO’s claim to fame remains our annual Turkey giveaway providing 1,000 families all the fixings they need for a great Thanksgiving dinner. SCMFO also supports morale events which are designed to assist in meeting needs throughout the year. Two of our biggest events are the Baby Shower for 40-plus expectant military moms in January/February each year and the Parent & Child Luau for 100 in late spring early summer. We also have Valentine’s Day, Easter and Father’s Day events -among others. Additionally, when SCMFO is approached by caring community groups with similar objectives, we do whatever we can to facilitate their projects to benefit the families we serve.