Anyone know anything about USO.org?

cvl105

We've decided against a donation to anything related to Cancer for the wedding. We've decided it could make people sad thinking about what my family is currently going through.My Mom suggested Heifer International, which donates livestock to families in needy countries, etc.  FI suggested USO.org which helps support our troops.  Services include information referral services, Internet and e-mail access, housing and emergency assistance and support groups, to name a few. Just curious if anyone has heard of this organization.

alainav85

Sorry  I don't know..but what about UNICEF...just came to mind since I've been seeing their Halloween commercials to support them.

uppereastgirl

I would look at charitynavigator.org for reviews of their spending.  I would say no to Heifer International.  Animal lovers/vegetarians may not love the idea.  I asked for a donation to a no-kill shelter for Christmas two years ago and my husband's uncle made a donation of a pig (one of my favorite animals!!) in my name to Heifer Int'l.  Definitely the worst gift I've gotten since my grandparents (god bless them) gave me a water pick when I was 8. 

cvl105

I never thought of that. That is a good point!

I <3 Seabass

Would you consider still doing the donation to the cancer organization and just not mention anything about the donation at the wedding.

cvl105

We are not doing a "favor", our donation was going to be our "favor"....so I feel weird not mentioning anything or giving anything.

I <3 Seabass

Well favors aren't really necessary so I wouldn't feel bad, especially since an organization close to your heart will be getting the money. Honestly I don't think most people will notice that there's no "favor" or mention of 'in leu of favors' and the people who do and think it's crappy that didn't get a favor, well f*ck them.

cvl105

I know...but I don't think my Mom would want me not doing anything. My family "talks" haha

Karma01

CVL, I completely understand not wanting to donate anything related to cancer. I am sorry you and your family are going through that. I have heard of Heifer International, I actually think my school will be donating to that this year,How about Operation Smile? It is a great cause as well.

cvl105

Thanks for all the recs. I like the idea of USO.org. FI is an ex-Marine, so I can understand why he suggested this.  I feel like I'm back to the drawing board, with not alot of time left.

I <3 Seabass

Where you the one that was going to do the book mark too? what about just doing the book mark as a favor and then donating to the cancer org silently.

cvl105

Ya, but it was going to be just a cheap paper like bookmark that the cancer society would send me saying I donated to them. haha. I know, I'm a pain.

MAndreaC

Why not say "in lieu of favors we are making donations to organizations close to our hearts" and do a donation to both charities?

cvl105

That's a very good option! Thanks! I'll keep this in mind for sure.

SimplySLB

USO.org is a great charity. They do so many awesome things for our service members and their families. I know when my FI travels for the Coast Guard, he is able to visit USO locations at a lot of the major airports. They take great care of the service members there.They also provide screenings, awareness days, information on medical needs, family services, etc. Like I said before, you can always look up any charity on guidestar.org.

allymp13

Eek not a fan of the heifer one. What about donating to a shelter that does a thanksgiving dinner for homeless since it's kind of close to the holidays. Something with education, performing arts, museum, big brother big sister...

caketime

You might like ours.  We donated to Americas VetDogs.  They are part of the seeing eye-dog for the blind but are for veterans who come home and are disabled or blind.

moscatelloc

my school did the heifer international one a few yrs ago... read to feed. They purchase livestock, not to eat but for these people to use as a means of living... milking, breeding etc.  I dont think it is that horrible. 

brodeurnm05

USO is an awesome charity! My brother who is currently stationed in Iraq for his 4th tour was able to use their services whenever he was home. I'm not sure what services exactly but he definitely appreciated everything and it got him through hard times after each tour. Good luck!!!

cvl105

The couple posts of people raving about USO make me feel good about it.  I would find it hard to believe anyone would find fault with us supporting our troops...whether they believe in the war or not. Moscatelloc, I agree with you on Heifer International.  I just worry that others may feel strongly against it as some have on here...and I don't want to offend anyone.  Reason I thought this would be good is that my brother is in the peace corp and was in Africa for two years...and I know they rely heavily on agriculture and thought it would have meaning.

Rosie24

I think people will notice then again it depends on your guests. Alot of my guests would have. I think USO.org is a great orginazation to donate to. I know you said no cancer but I think everyone would appreciate a donation to St. Jude Childrens hospital.

moscatelloc

yea, i like the program personally... the goal is to make these families self sufficient and educate them on agriculture. I think that is better for these people then just a donation that will eventually run out.  They learn to help themselves.  Part of the deal is too that they must donate one of the livestock's babies to another needy family.  so in the long run it helps many families. I understand not using it at a wedding but i dont think it is a bad program at all.

yusi196

I think the USO org donation is a great idea.

uppereastgirl

I agree -- I am not anti-Heifer at all, I just wouldn't pick to support it personally.  I'm not a vegetarian and although I don't eat mammals, I do believe in others eating them. But I could see vegetarians or vegans not being thrilled with it, particularly if you're talking about things like pigs which are good for meat, but not milk or eggs or anything.

allymp13

Now after reading about it (heifer international) and learning the purpose, I don't think it is bad at all. My inital reaction with knowing nothing about it was eek. I just think you should do whatever you feel the best about and most comfortable contributing to.

Lalanav

I'm just gonna pop in to give another good review for USO...my fiance's also a former Marine, and they STILL help him out.  While he was in Iraq they provided his unit with internet access and video comm services so they could talk to family back home, they provided stuff like xboxes and playstations so when they're not on duty (whenever THAT is) they can have something to do that helps them not miss home as much, etc.  And they have amazing home-like areas at airports where travelling military personnel can just hang out, sleep, leave their bags, etc. in between flights.  We left our bags there while in San Diego, and it almost made me cry to see all those young men there with the ability to be comfortable while they wait to be taken back to wherever they're going.  And the staff is all SO nice.  I say it would be a great organization to donate to, if that's what you want!

cvl105

Thanks Lalanav...I'm liking this organization more and more!