I’ve written in the past about Operation Homefront, but it wasn’t until today that I met someone who works with them. Its mission statement says it best: Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home.

Here is a sample of some of the programs it offers:

• Car repair: fixing the car of deployed service members when it’s the only transportation available to the family.

• Computers: When the service member is away, communication is important. Operation Homefront takes donated laptop computers and fixes them up so families can stay in touch during deployment. Wounded Warriors get laptops too, sometimes with specialized equipment such as voice activation.

• Financial assistance: Rent, utilities and car payments can be tough if VA compensation hasn’t kicked in. Baby needs, emergency airfare, rent-free housing near Brooke and Walter Reed for wounded warriors -- it’s all important, and all payments are made directly to the creditor.

Check its Web site [www.operationhomefront. net] for more information. Click on How We Operate, and then click on Needs. You’ll see a long list of specifics that are needed. Are you a roofer, mechanic, electrician or other trade? Sign up to volunteer your services. Look at the map of chapter sites. Click on one close to you and see how you can help.

If there’s no chapter near you, consider sending money. The national office will make sure it goes to a good cause. You can call them at (800) 722-6098.