The United Service Organizations (USO) is all about pitching in and helping servicemembers and their families.

In other words, the USO is a helping hand.

"The USO Northwest established the Helping Hands Program to help provide our servicemembers and their families stationed in the Pacific Northwest with the opportunity to spend time with their families," Kevin Iriarte, a USO spokesman, wrote in an email.

A first in the country, the Helping Hands Program supports local military members and their families with small grant awards to help fund pre-deployment, homecoming, holiday and family day celebrations.

Supporting America's troops is the USO Northwest's primary mission, and more than 400 volunteers offer the hand of support at Sea-Tac International Airport, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Portland International Airport and two mobile canteens.

Donald Leingang is the organization's executive director.

For half a century, the organization has evolved, developing new programs and services to meet the ever-changing needs of soldiers and their families.

"The key to the USO's enduring success is its ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment," Iriarte said.

From the moment an individual joins the military, deploys and transitions out, the USO stands ready to lend a steadfast, dependable and grateful hand.

The Department of Defense estimates that a total of one million servicemembers will transition to civilian life during the next several years.

To meet these needs, the USO has adapted by creating the Helping Hands Program.

Many hands make light work.

"When traditional funding sources are not available to cover the cost of a unit's activity or event, the Helping Hands Program provides small awards to help offset the cost of the activity," continued Iriarte.

It is at this point where the helping hands of Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) donors becomes critical.

"One hundred percent of all contributions made through the CFC go directly back to the military members and their families through our Helping Hands Program," continued Iriarte.

He also said that last year, the program served more than 99,000 local military and their families through welcome home celebrations, pre-deployment parties, family day picnics, tickets to ballgames and other fun events.

"The USO is a nonprofit, private organization that does not receive government funding," Iriarte added. "We rely one hundred percent on the generosity of individuals, organizations, foundations, corporations and fundraisers to support its activities."

The USO's Combined Federal Campaign donation number is 15348.

For more information, visit usonw.org.