Volunteers sorting donations at the Bags for the Brave initiative in San Diego.
San Diego has initiated the ‘Bags for the Brave’ donation drive to aid local military families facing financial challenges. Running until May 2025, the drive seeks donations of personal care items to support over 115,000 active-duty personnel and their families. Collaborating with Navy Federal Credit Union and nonprofit STEP, this initiative aims to strengthen community support during Military Appreciation Month. Residents are encouraged to contribute essential items at various donation locations throughout the county, showcasing a community united in the mission to assist those who serve.
San Diego has launched the “Bags for the Brave” donation drive to support local military families, addressing the unique challenges they face due to the high cost of living in the area. The drive, running through the end of May 2025, aims to collect and distribute essential personal care items to assist young military families in San Diego County.
In San Diego, home to over 115,000 active-duty service members, many families struggle to make ends meet amid rising living expenses. Local community organizations are stepping up to provide much-needed support. With the collaboration of Navy Federal Credit Union and nonprofit STEP (Support The Enlisted Project), CBS 8 is spearheading the efforts of the “Bags for the Brave” initiative.
Residents can participate by donating personal care items at one of Navy Federal’s 27 branches located throughout San Diego County. The items being accepted for donation include:
The donations will directly benefit local military personnel, their families, and veterans. This initiative coincides with Military Appreciation Month, further emphasizing the importance of community involvement in supporting those who serve.
In addition to the donation drive, San Diego County has recently introduced the expanded federal initiative entitled “Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood – PLUS,” aimed at helping military families access more than 400 child care providers. This initiative seeks to alleviate the shortage of available spaces in on-base child development centers, helping families find necessary child care resources.
The county is actively collaborating with the Department of Defense to ensure compliance with licensing requirements for child care, reinforcing its commitment to support military families in the region.
Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing Military Appreciation Month, SeaWorld San Diego is offering free admission to veterans and their families. Veterans must register by May 11 to take advantage of this offer, which allows them and up to three guests to enjoy complimentary tickets. Active-duty military personnel and their families are also eligible for one complimentary annual admission to SeaWorld.
In a separate initiative, U.S. Army veteran Dan Epstein and his wife have pledged $10 million in matching funds to support military-connected students at the University of San Diego. This generous donation is set to double, leading to a total of $20 million earmarked for scholarships, mental health support, and career counseling services for military-connected individuals. The Epstein family is encouraging community participation to enhance educational resources for these service members and their families.
As San Diego continues to grow as a military hub, these initiatives demonstrate a thriving community dedicated to supporting those who serve. The “Bags for the Brave” donation drive, along with the concerted efforts from various organizations, ensures that local military families receive the necessary assistance amidst financial challenges.
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