Blue Star Moms Inc

Programs

1. Veterans Outreach/Stand Down/VA HospitalThese programs support our veterans by providing a warm homecoming, supplying items from their "wish lists" such as comforters, blankets, and pillows for those hospitalized. In addition the program reaches out to homeless veterans.From its inception in 1942, Veterans, their welfare, benefits and readjustment, have been a part of the mission of the Blue Star Mothers of America. When we formed our chapter in 2001, the Veterans of our communities were the first to embrace us and our efforts, taking our Moms under their protective wings, as we faced a war with this new generation of heroes. Today, we remain committed to our Veterans, as many of our own kids have now completed their service and have joined this community of pride in their service to America.

   $767 spent
   1% of program spending

2. Gold Star ParentsThis program provides direct support to those who have lost sons and daughters in combat. The Blue Star Moms are committed to remembering our fallen heroes and their sacrifices, the burden of which their families will forever carry. Since World War I, when the Blue Star banner that hung in the front window became an unofficial symbol of a military family member serving overseas, the blue star was covered with gold if a service member was lost in battle. Today, a banner that displays this gold star is given to families whose loved one is lost while on active duty serving our country. The Blue Star Moms present personalized Gold Star Banners to families who so request. California has lost more service members than any other state. To honor them and their families, the Blue Star Moms partner annually with the Marines Memorial Association in San Francisco to preserve the memory of these heroic men and women. A two-day Remembrance and Honor reception, memorial and dinner was held for California Gold Star parents to connect and share their stories of the bravery and lives of their sons and daughters.

   $22 spent
   0% of program spending

3. Care PackagesSince our inception and following in the footsteps of our grandmothers and mothers, we have mailed "a little bit of home" to our sons and daughters serving around the world. Due to the generosity of our communities, we have been able to include many more service persons who request a box. Often commanding officers in the field will contact us and let us know that they have a young man or woman who is not receiving any boxes or letters from home. These kids quickly come into our hearts and soon receive a care package, letting them know America supports them. We depend on the public's support and help to continue our mailings.Operation PostcardHave sent over 70,000 letters, notes, and postcards to our troops overseas. This program provides our troops notes of appreciation, support, and admiration. We ask families,friends, schools, clubs, churches or any group or individual to write a positive message of support. Children can create with a hand drawn picture on the front and a message on the back. We include them in our care packages and ecnourage writers to tell them about themselves, their city and their state.

   $85,339 spent
   96% of program spending

4. We are represented in various local parades and events.

5. Scholarships were awarded.

   $1,000 spent
   1% of program spending

6. Amounts were given to the Marines Memorial and Wreaths Across America programs.

   $2,170 spentof which $2,000 as grants
   2% of program spending

The 6 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990-EZ. Program spending in total: $89,298.