How to Help Veterans for the Holidays

Overview

Join our community of care this holiday season.

The holidays can be a difficult time for many veterans. Cold weather, isolation, and financial hardship make it hard to stay safe and connected. You can help ensure that every veteran feels supported, cared for, and remembered this season.

From care packages to meal sponsorships and volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to give back and share warmth with those who have served.

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Host a Kit Drive

Our guide shows you how to put on a hygiene kit drive

Sponsor a meal

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Donate

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Volunteer

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Host a drive

HYGIENE KITS & CARE PACKAGES

Invite your coworkers, friends, or community group to host a care kit drive for veterans this winter. Collect new, essential items like socks, gloves, and hygiene supplies, then assemble care bags that will be distributed through our service centers and outreach events.

Hosting your event

Steps to Get Started

Set your goal. Decide how many care bags your group will create.

Use our Care Bag Calculator. Plan how many items you’ll need and estimate the total cost.

Collect and assemble. Gather donations or purchase supplies, then pack bags as a group activity.

Deliver to Swords to Plowshares. We’ll make sure your kits reach veterans who need them most.

Plan on hosting a kit drive? Let us know!
‍We can share tips, supply lists, and drop-off details to help your drive run smoothly.

Building your kit

Holiday Care Bag Cost & Quantity Calculator

Use our calculator below to plan your care bag drive — estimate total costs, see how many of each item you’ll need, and share it with your group or corporate team.

Building your kit

Things to include

Warm items: beanies, gloves, thick socks, scarves, blankets

Hygiene supplies: travel-sized shampoo, deodorant, wipes, toothpaste, toothbrush

Feminine hygiene items: tampons, pads, liners

Healthy snacks: granola bars, trail mix, tuna pouches, jerky, instant coffee, tea

Reusable items: water bottles, tote bags, utensils

Encouragement notes: simple messages of thanks or kindness

Building your kit

Avoid Including

Used or damaged items

Perishables or home-cooked food

Sharp objects, razors, or alcohol-based products (including mouthwash)

Religious or political materials

Oversized or fragile items

Ways to Give

More ideas on how to support Veterans

Sponsor a Meal

Help us serve warm, nourishing meals at our Veterans Community Center and supportive housing sites throughout the Bay Area. A shared meal offers more than food — it creates connection, dignity, and community for veterans who may be spending the holidays alone.

Individuals, families, and corporate teams can sponsor service days or contribute toward groceries and prepared meals.