We’re constantly looking for ways to give back and impact the larger community – especially as an app with a large community of veterans. For our fourth birthday, we knew we had to celebrate by raising money for a veteran-focused organization. That’s what led us to Boot Campaign!
Their mission is to honor and restore the lives of veterans and their families with individualized programs nationwide. We got the opportunity to sit down with Boot Campaign’s CEO Shelly Kirkland to learn more about Boot Campaign and their programs.
Meet the Boot Campaign
Boot Campaign was founded fifteen years ago by five Texas women. After reading The Lone Survivor, they were inspired to give back to veterans and military families. They started by getting combat boots (the lasting symbol of military and combat veterans) on the feet of civilians and celebrities across the country. Hence the name Boot Campaign!
Since then, the organization has grown to include three programs to honor and restore the lives of veterans and their families nationwide with individualized care. They serve veterans from any war in any era. If your grandfather needs their help, they’re happy to step in!
Their Programs
Whilt Boot Campaign continues its Lace Up, America campaign, they have three other programs to help veterans and military families or spread awareness about their unique struggles.
Health and Wellness
The Boot Campaign’s largest program is devoted to the health and wellness of veterans struggling with brain injuries, PTSD, chronic pain, self-medication, and insomnia. They work with a licensed psychologist to evaluate the veteran and their needs, then develop an individualized treatment program.
We do not address the symptoms; we want to get to the root of the issue and provide care tailored for that issue.
They work with veterans anywhere from three months or one treatment protocol, to two years. Shelly made it very clear that Boot Campaign isn’t a quick fix, but that they hold the hand of each veteran to make sure they receive the care they need. As long as the veteran needs help and is motivated to receive help, they’ll continue to work with them.
Season of Service
The Boot Campaign also runs a campaign to provide specifically curated gift boxes to deserving veterans and military families nationwide. Through Seasons of Service, they connect with veterans and military families to support them through challenging or catastrophic times. This usually entails a sudden deployment, caring for a veteran, or veterans affected by natural disasters.
You Matter Movement
Recently, there’s been a rise in suicide amongst veterans and the military. Boot Campaign is dedicated to making sure every veteran knows they matter. On their website, they provide resources and educational materials to help people learn about the signs of suicide. They also sell You Matter merchandise to help shatter the stigma surrounding mental health care. Proceeds from the merchandise support veterans seeking the care and treatment they need.
How You’re Helping
To celebrate our fourth birthday, we’re raising funds for the Boot Campaign! Creators can donate through the listings in our Clapper Shop. In our Around the Sun birthday Livestream alone, we were able to raise over $400 through creator donations! Not only will that money be put to good use, but you’re directly helping veterans and military families.
Last year, 92 cents of every dollar went back into the programs.
$100 provides an hour of treatment for someone in their health and wellness program or a gift card for groceries or gas for someone in their Seasons of Service.
Other Ways to Help
Seasons of Service is their biggest volunteer opportunity. Not only can people purchase things for the families, but they also have volunteers that go shopping for all the family’s needs or wishes. They hand-wrap everything in Dallas, and then the organization hand-delivers those packages nationwide.
Boot Campaign also sends out volunteer opportunities in their newsletter! You can subscribe to stay up to date and find ways to help. Additionally, there are digital and in-person events listed on their website, and they’ll even repost pictures you share on social media wearing their merch or spreading the word about their programs.
And, of course, the boots!
We encourage everyone to buy a pair of combat boots, lace ’em up, and wear them around town.
You can connect with the Boot Campaign on their website or Clapper profile. Sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date on their events and programs! We’re honored to partner with them and support their invaluable work.