Supporting the troops is important to do, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to give your support. Here are a few ways to thank those people who keep the nation safe.

• Donate directly

Holiday cards, treats and requested items can be sent directly to soldiers through these organizations:

✓ The USO, www.uso.org, website has several different options for sending gifts and supporting the troops throughout the year. Look for the “Programs” heading. Clicking there will give you a list of options, including “USO Holiday Boxes,” “USO Wishbook,” “Operation USO Care Package,” and “USO in a Box.”

✓ The American Red Cross has a program called “Holiday Mail for Heroes,” which gets letters and cards to troops in the field, on bases worldwide, as well in hospitals for wounded veterans undergoing therapy. For more information, go to http://www.redcross.org/support/get-involved/holiday-mail-for-heroes. The deadline for this program is Dec. 7, so start writing.

✓ Closer to home the Yellow Ribbon Girls of Ellwood City, have sent more than 33,000 packages to troops, as of May 2012. The group, which has family members who serve in the military, have mailing lists of soldiers who need cards, letters of encouragement or thanks and packages, which are shipped monthly. Go to http://yellowribbongirls.com/ to learn more.

✓ Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts also will have troop contacts for the holidays.

• Give blood

Gving blood through an organization like the American Red Cross can actually help troops hundreds and thousands of miles away.

Military units may depend on rush shipments of blood, and maintaining an ample supply of all blood types is important. You could even host a blood drive at your workplace or community center.

To find a blood drive or donation location near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

• Support troops’ families

When troops are deployed, they leave their strongest supporters behind. During the holidays, it is important to remember the families of active duty service members. Whether it’s a parent, spouse or child of a deployed troop, someone will likely be without a loved one this season. There are countless ways to show your support, whether it’s a plate of holiday cookies, community event or a handwritten card.

Find a family to support through an organization like Military OneSource.

• Volunteer your time

Troops serving overseas do not have the luxury of spending the holidays with their loved ones, but there are also former service members stateside who should be recognized. Show your appreciation for those who have helped protect the nation by volunteering at the VA Butler Healthcare or a nursing home this season, even if only for a few hours.