Soldiers' Angels is a non-profit organization with a mission to support all military, including the wounded, veterans and families. Currently, there are more than 250,000 volunteer angels worldwide that dedicate themselves to this mission.

"All of our outreach is an enormous undertaking and wouldn't be possible without the wonderful volunteers and hard-working communities," said Julie Morelli, the Soldiers' Angels Washington state leader.

The group's biggest undertaking at this time of year is done in partnership with the Puget Sound VA's Serenity's Angel Project. The adoption project focuses on the children of homeless veterans who would otherwise go without a Christmas. Last year, 1,700 families were helped, and the hope is to increase that number this year.

The angels are also always searching for volunteers to cook for the newest wounded warriors and their families at the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB). They do this throughout the year, not just in conjunction with the holiday season. "If you love to cook, this is a great way to show support," said Morelli. "There is always a need for this."

On Dec. 14, Soldiers' Angels will host a WTB Christmas Dinner, and on Dec. 25 volunteers will prepare another Christmas Dinner for families spending the holidays at the JBLM Fisher House.

"Our Washington team is also collecting stocking stuffers, hygiene products (must be sans alcohol), gift cards and fleece blankets for our American Lake veterans," Morelli explained. On Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m., the angels will descend on the VA hospital in Lakewood to hand out the stockings and gifts and provide some holiday cheer. A similar event will happen at the Spokane VA later in the month.

Apart from tangible donations, volunteerism is essential to the success of Soldiers' Angels. Opportunities include corporate-giving initiatives for business owners, quilters and crafters who can assist with the angels' ongoing blanket and teddy bear-making projects, and schools willing to participate in card and letter-writing campaigns for both veterans and active-duty military.

"We are always looking for new angels to join in the fun and help," Morelli said. "Whether they are a verified angel, who takes on the responsibility of adopting a deployed Servicemember (which involves sending letters and care packages), or as an associate angel, who joins any of the over 30 project various teams. Either way, they will become part of our mission of gratitude, right here at home."

To become an angel or get involved, simply visit soldiersangels.org/join-or-adopt.html.

Morelli also welcomes new ideas for support, fundraising and other morale-boosting events; those with ideas can contact her at soldiersangelswashington@gmail.com.