First, let me praise Marrec Collins and Mrs. Male’s class at Four Peaks Elementary for caring about our veterans. It is great to see that young people value what our service men and women contribute to this nation.

As a veteran and a philanthropist I investigate all charities to which I donate. I choose to donate to groups which use most if not all of their donations to support their intended mission and not for administrative costs.

Wounded Warrior Project is a very high profile program. Everybody who watches television has seen their advertisements. They are beautifully done with high profile actors and singers. They also cost money. Lots of money.

In fact, according to Charity Watch, Wounded Warrior Project spends at least 50-75 percent of all of their donations on administrative costs and fundraising. Now 25 percent of a big number is still a big number, and if veterans are benefiting then God bless WWP.

However, there are charities in place that give 100 percent of their donations directly to wounded warriors. One such charity is Warrior Foundation Freedom Station.

In short, Freedom Station is a groundbreaking transitional housing facility that provides wounded warriors with the supportive environment they need and deserve to transition to civilian life. Sometimes it takes up to six months for these warriors to receive their disability payments. Without a facility like Freedom Station they could literally be on the streets.

Last fall I had the privilege to meet several of these wounded warriors who have benefited from this transition; single and multiple amputees who might otherwise have been homeless. They are functioning in society thanks to their transitional time at Freedom Station.

So, if you want a blanket, give your $19/month to WWP. If you want to make a difference investigate www.warriorfoundation.org.