Hi! For all of those who are in the service, the CFC helps to do that :) It is short for the Combined Federal Campaign. It takes all the money that is donated and distributes it between different charities. The donor can choose what charity the donation goes to or just make a general donation.
One of the foundations (can't remember a specific name) goes to the families in need of soldiers who are deployed. Most of us take a payroll deduction for the donation every month, but you can donate in lump sum. Every donation counts, no matter how small or big it is. I am not sure if civilians can donate, but I will find out ASAP.
I have some other agencies on a list somewhere for a drive my squadron did, so I will go and try to find that for you...
LTC Scott Pierce, USAR, US Special Forces & LTC Chuck McLaughlin USAR, US Special Forces, run this Foundation:
http://www.2nddragoons.org/
They contribute and raise money for the foundation and distribute the funds to service members and/or their families when individual cases of need are found or brought to our attention. We are primarily associated with the U.S. Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment due to previous service with the Regiment by the founding members. However, we do consider cases from other U.S. Army units, especially if there is a previous connection with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment or other U.S. Cavalry Regiments.
Scott also runs this blog:
http://rightinraleigh.blogspot.com/
Scott has been to Iraq twice and is a fine American. Chuck has been to Iraq once and elsewhere many times. Both were my roommates when I was in the Army and are still good friends. You can trust any $$ given to this Foundation will be spent on servicemen and their families. No more honorable men exist on our planet, than Chuck and Scott.
Army Emergency Relief
also try http://www.froggyruminations.blogspot.com/
there is also a government organization that organizes and tracks charities to help assure you are giving to good people instead of scam artists...http://www.opm.gov/cfc/