Family Helping Family: Exchange Shoppers Donated $2.5 Million to Military Relief Funds in 2023

Army & Air Force Exchange Service shoppers extended a helping hand to their fellow service members, military families and retirees in need through $2.5 million in donations to military relief funds in 2023. That’s the highest annual total since the Exchange began partnering with the relief funds seven years ago.

Shoppers have the option to contribute to Army Emergency Relief (AER) or the Air Force Assistance Fund (AFAF) when checking out at PXs and BXs or online at ShopMyExchange.com. Select Exchanges in the Pacific have the option to donate to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS).

“Year after year, Exchange shoppers give selflessly and generously to support their fellow service members,” said Exchange Director/CEO Tom Shull, an Army Veteran. “The ‘family serving family’ mentality is an indelible part of the military community.”

Shoppers at the PX, BX or Express can add a $1 donation to AER, AFAF or NMCRS (where available) when checking out, including at self-checkout kiosks. Shoppers who wish to give more can speak with a cashier at checkout to donate in any amount. Online donations can be made in $5 increments at ShopMyExchange.com, where shoppers will receive a prompt during checkout.

Shoppers at the PX, BX or Express can add a $1 donation to AER, AFAF  when checking out, including at self-checkout kiosks. Online donations can be made in $5 increments at ShopMyExchange.com, where shoppers will receive a prompt during checkout.

“A simple donation at the register has a greater ripple effect than most Exchange shoppers probably realize,” said retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Tony Grinston, AER CEO. “Every little bit helps and makes a big difference to the Soldiers, retirees and Army families who benefit from AER services.”

The Exchange first teamed up with AER and AFAF in 2017 to offer shoppers the option of donating at checkout, expanding to NMCRS in 2023. In total, Exchange shoppers have donated more than $9 million to the relief funds.

“Our partnership with the Exchange has allowed us to make life better for even more members of the Air Force and Space Force family,” said retired Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas Jr., CEO of the Air Force Aid Society, one of four charities that benefits from AFAF. “Thank you to Exchange shoppers for stepping up for Airmen and Guardians.”

Select Exchanges in the Pacific have the option to donate to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS).

The military relief funds provide services to members of the military community, including financial assistance, scholarships for family members and community programs that make life better for Warfighters, their families and retirees.

“Generous donations from Exchange shoppers have allowed us to help even more Sailors and Marines,” said NMCRS CEO Lt. Gen. Robert Ruark, USMC (Ret.). “We’re looking forward to continuing this wonderful partnership.”

To learn more about the Exchange’s support for the funds, visit https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/give.