Southern, Sweet & Sassy Coffee is passionate about connecting military families one cup at a time, and we are proud to give back to the military community through our #coffeeforacause initiative. This December, we are excited to feature Our Military Kids.
Organization and Mission
Our Military Kids exists to recognize the sacrifices made by the children of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, and post-9/11 combat-injured service members. They offer extracurricular activity grants that help build a child’s self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.
How It Began
Our Military Kids started in 2004 as a meaningful way to give back to members of the National Guard who were deployed as a response to the 9/11 attacks. Deployment can be especially hard on the families of National Guard and Reserve service members. The deploying National Guard or Reserve member often leaves a gap in the family income during their deployment, and a military base may not be nearby to provide resources or support for the family. The early organizers of Our Military Kids fielded heartbreaking calls from deploying soldiers, and the organization felt called to help more kids cope with the challenges brought on by these lengthy separations.
What began as a pilot project for the Winchester unit of the Virginia Army National Guard quickly expanded to serve the rest of Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Over time, their work expanded to include the entire United States.
Our Military Kids expanded again in 2008, to include children of Veterans and active duty service members from all service branches who were severely injured in post-9/11 combat operations. They sought to help kids whose families were struggling to deal with the financial and emotional hardships associated with such injuries.
Our Military Kids Impact
Today, Our Military Kids is a national organization funded entirely by private donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Since they began, Our Military Kids has awarded more than 80,000 activity grants totaling $31 million.
In 2021 alone, Our Military Kids awarded 4,223 activity grants worth $1.18 million in all 50 states and two US territories. These grants included sports, fine arts, camping, enrichment programs, tutoring and STEM.Â
How It Works
Children of deployed and stateside activated National Guard and Reserve service members, as well as those of combat-injured Veterans from any service branch, are eligible for activity grants of up to $300. Our Military Kids has never turned away an eligible child.
Once a child’s grant is approved, they are mailed an award packet that includes OMK dog tags, an Our Military Kids patch, a personalized Our Military Kids grant certificate and other goodies just for them.
Coffee for a Cause
Our Military Kids is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves children aged 3-18. The organization envisions a nation where children of our deployed National Guard, Deployed Reserve, and combat injured service members know they are valued and can pursue their passions.
If you would like to support Our Military Kids while drinking a great cup of coffee, we’ve got you covered! The S3 December #coffeeforacause is Extra Morning Cup. This medium roast, smooth house blend includes Indonesia Robusta for a little extra caffeine kick! During December, buy S3’s Extra Morning Cup, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to Our Military Kids.
To learn more about Our Military Kids, how you can help, or to see if your child qualifies, please visit their website.
And be sure to follow them on social media!