Dear John,

Janine is an Army spouse and mother of four whose family has been hit with one challenge after another this year.

Their family PCS’d to Washington, only to be met with extreme sticker shock. Soon after, her husband deployed to Korea for a rotation — where he was unexpectedly injured. He required surgery and was deemed unfit for duty, but was not allowed to return home for the procedure.

When he finally came back, he needed ongoing care… and Janine suddenly became the primary caregiver, the only reliable income, and the parent managing everything at home.

But it didn’t stop there.

Because of her husband’s injuries and mobility limitations, he can’t care for the kids alone. So Janine had to take a major cut in her work hours. And with endless medical appointments requiring her attendance, she’s left paying for childcare she can barely afford — while living in one of the most expensive states in the country.

Groceries.
Utilities.
Gas.
Childcare.
Essential winter clothing.

Everything costs more — and everything hits at once.

Their story is one we’re hearing far too often this year.

Here is Janine’s full message:

“We PCS’d to Washington state and the sticker shock was quite real! My husband was injured during his rotation in Korea and required surgery. They didn’t allow him to come back to the States… now he is unfit for duty. I had to take a big cut to my hours at work because it's hard for him to take care of the kids solo, and so many appointments require spouse attendance. I’m left paying for sitters and it's rough just affording the expensive food here let alone toys and necessities for our kiddos.”
— Janine, Army Spouse

Families like Janine’s shouldn’t have to struggle through the holidays. They shouldn’t be overwhelmed by the choice between groceries and gifts… or forced to cancel Christmas because life has been too hard this year.

439 Military and Veteran families, just like Janine’s, are still waiting to be adopted.

You can help today — on Giving Tuesday.

• Adopt a Military or Veteran family
• Donate to support families still waiting

Your generosity today brings hope to families facing the hardest moments of their year.