The Minutemen were citizen soldiers who volunteered before the start of the American Revolution to fight British soldiers at a minute's notice.

This spirit of responding quickly in helping today's citizen soldiers is evident in the work of the Minuteman Fund of Washington.

"The fund provides assistance grants to Washington National Guard members who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties, and we work to get them help as soon as we can," said Dawn Gibbs, the fund's secretary. "We are dedicated to meeting the temporary emergency financial needs of our citizen soldiers with discretion, dignity and decisiveness."

The fund has a virtual office in Olympia that is staffed by volunteers. Except for minimal operating expenses, 100 percent of all donated funds go to emergency assistance grants for Guard members.

All monies received are dispersed to Guard members needing temporary financial assistance through the Minuteman Emergency Assistance Fund (MEAF). A majority of the fund's money is used to help Guard members pay rent and utilities.

"We most often help to keep Guard members and their families from being evicted from their homes, or being cold in the winter," continued Gibbs.

The fund also awards $2,000 per year for food and gas to the Family Programs office.

"This is for those who need just a little bit of help feeding their families or getting to work," explained Gibbs.

The Minuteman Fund of Washington's Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contribution number is 86017.

"The fund provides hope," explained Angela Sutter, the fund's treasurer. "It lets soldiers and airmen know that things will be ok."

As an example, she related a story about how she met a soldier and his young son at a rental property to give them a check so they could find permanent housing. The money allowed them to pay a down payment and the first month's rent to live in a house for the first time in quite a long time.

"Please think of us when planning your CFC contribution," concluded Gibbs. "We are grateful for any support you can give to this worthy cause."

For more information about the Minuteman Fund, visit minutemanfund.org.