More than 5000 American children have lost a parent in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars so far, not counting those who have a parent that is permanently disabled, according to the US Department of Defense.
More than 47 percent of the enlisted soldiers today have children. Even if the war ended today, there are many children that have been left behind and will have needs for years to come. Contrary to popular belief, these children are not “set for life” because they are part of a military family.
A child born in 2007 to a family earning less that $45,800 per year can expect to spend a total of $148,320 from birth through high school, according to the US Department of Agriculture. A family earning more than $77,100 can expect to spend $298,680.
Collectively it will take over a billion dollars to raise the children of fallen soldiers and that doesn’t include college.
The solution could be as simple as buying a cookie and being on The List.
Katy’s has partnered with Operation Homefront to help build awareness and support for these families by starting a campaign called Are You On The List? ™
Katy’s is a woman-owned company that designs and creates food which delivers essential needs for the body while enjoying foods you love!
Katy’s My OH Mega™ is more than a cookie; can be a quick meal or a nutritious snack to hold you over until your next meal. They are packed with more than 60 percent of needed Omega 3, 10 grams of protein, a good source of fiber and made with 100 percent whole grain. Best yet – they have no preservatives or artificial ingredients and taste great – they are so good it is hard to tell you are giving yourself something healthy to eat! The cookies are available in four different flavors all packing the same great attributes.
Every cookie contains a redemption card with a unique code on it. Use the code to join the list to gain access to member privileges and track how many times you have contributed! Over 50 percent go directly to help these families through Operation Homefront.
The website is interactive and offers many different ways for you to help be a part of a solution to make communities stronger. You can submit outreach opportunities your organization has on our Outreach Opportunities (LINK) section or chose from the list and participate.
As many of us are aware, money is not the only factor involved in raising children; family, a supportive community, positive emotional support and social interactions are also key ingredients to a well balanced child. By developing a bridging fund through Operation Homefront, many single parent homes that have been left behind, will have a place to go to in times of need when it becomes difficult to makes ends meet. In turn this helps balance all of the key factors needed to raise a child today who will have an opportunity to grow into a productive citizen tomorrow.
