Louisiana drivers raise over $135K to aid military families

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — As the federal government shutdown continues, military families across Louisiana are facing growing financial challenges.

On Thursday, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) presented a $135,000 check to the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) to support the Military Family Assistance (MFA) Fund, a program that provides critical relief to service members and their loved ones.

Since 2020, Louisiana drivers have donated more than $135,000 to the MFA Fund by contributing just one dollar during driver’s license or ID transactions at OMV and Public Tag Agent locations statewide. Those small donations add up to big help—providing up to $10,000 per family to cover rent, utilities, medical expenses, and other essentials.

“Anytime you come into a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles customer service center, you have the option of donating a dollar to this fund,” said Keith Neal, Commissioner of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. “It’s an easy way to give back to those who serve.”

For many military households navigating pay delays and benefit uncertainty caused by the shutdown, this fund has become a vital safety net.

“They’re able to continue their day-to-day lives, to make it through without worrying whether their children will have food or if their power will be disconnected,” said Holly Talley, Administrator of the Military Family Assistance Fund. “It’s a little bit of security for them during a difficult time.”

Applications for assistance are available on the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs website or can be mailed upon request. Donations can also be made through OMV specialty license plates or tax refund contributions.

“It’s a way for us to actively support our military community and our veterans who have sacrificed so much for us,” Talley added.

So far this year, nearly $25,000 has been donated at OMV locations across the state. Since its creation in 2005, the MFA Fund has provided over $1.5 million in assistance to Louisiana veterans and their families, helping ensure that those who serve receive the support they deserve.

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