Imagine it: it’s a beautiful Thursday morning in December, you are snuggled tight in your bed feeling right with the world, but, oh no, you just remembered that the holidays are coming; everyone will be expecting some store-bought token of your love, gratitude, or obligation (including that weird uncle who talks too much), and you have yet to buy a single gift!
Now, wake up to the realization that it was not a dream, IT IS December 8 and you have no idea where to shop. Relax! The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America has you covered. We have put together an easy-to-use list (we have gathered a short list to get you started, but there are many more out there!) to help you discover where to shop businesses that give back to veterans & veteran causes, as well as a resource of online-based, veteran-owned businesses across the country.
Big Businesses that Give Back in a Big Way
For an easy way to shop for everything, from hard-to-find items to everyday necessities to the most craveable items, Amazon is unbeatable in 2022. That’s why it’s so awesome that the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America has an AmazonSmile charitable giving account with the online retailer. It’s simple: all you have to do is Log in at Amazon.Smile.com with your Amazon credentials> Sign up for AmazonSmile>Select your Charity> Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA)> Voila! Make your purchases from over 1 million qualified items to have Amazon automatically give back a portion of your purchase to the MPVA!
If you’re looking for a gift for a teacher, postal worker, or another staple in your life, but have no idea what they would enjoy, consider a Starbucks gift card. This company has really put their money where their mouth is when it comes to how they support veterans; Starbucks has a Veteran and Military Affairs department run by a 20-year veteran with the job of recruiting vets for hire — and this department is proving to be a charitable AND wise business decision. Starbucks has hired more than 30,000 vets since 2013. This, along with their support of other programs uplifting veterans across our nation, makes spending $6 for a latte feel a little less painful.
Sometimes, the best way to show your love for someone is to show love for the love of their lives: their pet. Did you know that Purina has donated nearly three-quarters of a million dollars to programs for service dog training to prepare dogs specifically for veterans? It also donates tens of thousands of pounds of dog food annually to active-duty military dogs, as well as those in service to veterans.
Thinking of going big on a phone purchase for the loved one who talks too much?! Consider Verizon, who provide technology, equipment and services to organizations that serve veterans. You can also feel good about the fact that this business giant gives to organizations that support homeless vets and military spouses. P.S. most companies provide discounts on phones to veterans!
Traveling somewhere out-of-state for Christmas dinner? Looking for the preferred option of “Trains, Planes, and Automobiles”? Southwest puts even more money into the pockets of vets through employment than it does through discounts. Southwest Airlines supports the Veterans Jobs Mission and has resulted in Southwest’s hiring of 8,000 veterans and Guard/Reserve members.
The All-Things-Shopping Behemoth does a lot for veterans! It offers $1-a-day debt-free education through the Live Better U program and offers expanded access to healthcare and wellness programs through telehealth partnerships with the VA. What’s great is that you can shop in-person at one of their many Michigan locations in person or using their convenient online pickup or delivery services.
In addition, we are excited to share this online resource of 30+ veteran-owned small businesses around the country that are Internet-based!
Happy Shopping! And an even HAPPIER HOLIDAYS!
MPVA Blog 