When a soldier is deployed overseas, an emergency at home can put a lot of stress on the family.

But, a nationwide program – called Unmet Needs – is helping military families right here in Wisconsin deal with the unexpected.

"These troops today deserve everything and their families deserve everything we can provide as a nation to them,” said Pete Breed, with VFW Post 305 out of Eau Claire.

He says the program works to support the families of the soldiers who are deployed overseas.

"We felt it was a program we could really support our troops and at the same time help the families of the troops that were leaving,” said Gene Hatfield, with Burger King.

Hatfield says 475 Burger King stores across 10 states help support Unmet Needs. Last year, he says they raised $250,000.

"With the economy the way it is, somebody loses their job, emergency or so on, there's going to be a need there,” he said.

The VFW distributes the cash – for everything from medical bills to house repairs.

"Let's say the furnace quits working in February, Breed said. “20 degrees below zero. We get the call from one of the armories or one of the VFW post in what we call the local area – the Chippewa Valley region -- and they ask us for the funds to cover car repairs, furnace repairs, groceries, etc. We will step in to help."

"It's a band-aid,” added Hatfield. “It's not going to fix the problem forever, but at the same time helps them get through that tough time."

Helping military families – one dollar at a time.

"I cannot think of a more worthy cause to support than to support our troops,” Breed said.

"I think that's the least we can do,” added Hatfield.

The Unmet Needs program relies heavily on your donations – which benefit military families 100%.

To contribute, click on the Unmet Needs link on our military page.