Walk 31 Miles for the USO
Start your FundraiserJoin the Challenge
The USO is hosting a fundraiser for the month of December. This is a great opportunity for your friends, family and community to support the USO as we close out the year.
December can be a challenging month for service members who are far from home during the holidays. By walking just one mile a day and raising funds throughout the month, we’re showing our service members and their families that the USO community is thinking of them, standing with them, and continuing to deliver connection when it matters most.
Start Your Facebook Fundraiser Here
Once participants receive their first donation, they will receive the official USO Challenge T-shirt!
Download the Printable Tracker
Every mile and every dollar raised helps ensure we can continue to be there for our service members and their families around the world.
Let’s walk with purpose — and make a real impact together.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is a Facebook Challenge?
A Facebook Challenge is a virtual fundraising event that takes place over a one- to two-month period. The goal is to raise money through a Facebook fundraiser for a cause you care about by completing the Challenge activity and posting about your progress to ask for and encourage donations from your Facebook friends. A Challenge also comes with a Facebook Group, so you don’t have to do it alone! In the group, you will find a community of other wonderful individuals taking on the Challenge right beside you. Donors to your fundraiser will have the option to cover processing fees, but Facebook will never take a cut! The proceeds collected from each fundraiser go directly to the organization. The purpose of this Challenge is to raise funds for the United Service Organizations by walking 31 miles during December 2025.
-
How can I tell this Challenge is supporting the United Service Organizations?
We understand you want to ensure your funds will support the United Service Organizations' charitable mission. There are a few ways to ensure that you’re supporting the United Service Organizations. At the top of the group page, at the bottom of the banner image, you will see the label “Group by United Service Organizations,” which links to USO’s official Facebook page. Additionally, under the “Members” tab, you will see our official Facebook page listed as a group admin.
-
Do my miles have to be done in December? Can I do more than 31 miles?
We aim to walk 31 miles during December, but you can start and finish a bit early, or change the Challenge quantity, to hit your own goals!
-
Why 31 miles in December?
December is a tough time of year for soldiers as many are away from their families during the holiday season. Walking 1 mile a day each day in December to raise funds for the USO mission is a small way to let soldiers know we're thinking of them and their families.
-
How do I track my progress?
We have a free and printable PDF daily tracker that you can download to record your progress after you fi nish each day. You can fi nd this tracker here and in the featured section of the Facebook Group! You can then update the printable tracker with how many miles you complete! Make sure you post updates on your fundraising page, too! By posting often, your friends and family will follow your progress and be excited about donating.
-
Do I have to provide proof of completion?
Absolutely not! We trust you! But it is a great idea to post updates on your progress to your fundraising page to help encourage others to donate and keep going. Remember, the more you share, the more you will receive in donations.
-
What if I fail to complete the challenge?
We would love to see everyone complete the Challenge, but we understand that walking 31 miles might not be feasible for everyone to complete in a month. Every mile you log gets us closer to our goal, so thank you for participating!
-
Is there an age limit to take part in the challenge?
There is no age limit, but we do want people to feel comfortable with the Challenge and not push beyond their limitations. Remember: if you are under 18, you need a parent or a guardian to agree that you can take part in the Challenge, and agree to the USO Waiver, Release, and Grant of Rights Agreement on your behalf.
-
Can my friends and family join the challenge?
They sure can! Ask them to follow the link in the Facebook Group to register and set up their fundraising page.
-
Is the registration free?
Yes, the registration is completely free. We strongly encourage you to start a fundraiser so you can help support the mission of the United Service Organizations.
-
Where do I register and create my fundraiser?
After you join the Facebook Group, you will find the registration link in the Featured section. Fill out the form and click the “Submit & Activate a Fundraiser” button. At that time, you will be directed to your personal Fundraising Page. Once on the page, you can edit the name and donation target. Be sure to invite your friends to follow you. An email will be sent to you to confirm we received your registration details.
-
When will I get my free gift?
After you receive your first donation, your T-shirt will be shipped within three to four weeks. The registration will be open until December 31, 2025. There is a limited supply, so register early to guarantee that you will receive the free gift.
-
Does the United Service Organizations ever charge for challenge merchandise?
No! The United Service Organizations will never ask you to pay for anything. We are only seeking donations through individual fundraisers created during the Challenge. If you see any merchandise advertised with a cost, please report it to our group admins, and we will take further action.
-
My T-shirt hasn’t arrived yet. When can I expect it to be delivered?
Please allow three weeks for delivery after you have received your first donation for the USO.
-
Can I start the challenge without my T-shirt?
Absolutely! You can start tracking your progress on the first day of December. When your T-shirt arrives, snap a picture of yourself wearing it to post on your fundraising page and the group page for everyone to see!
-
How much do I have to raise?
Your Facebook fundraiser will provide you with a target amount. You are allowed to set your goal at any amount. Just remember that every dollar donated helps us strengthen the well-being of the people serving in America’s military and their families.
-
Can I donate to my own page?
Yes, of course! Lead by example and invite friends and family to donate, too!
-
Can one person donate more than once?
Yes! There are no limits on how many donations one can make.
-
My friend accidentally donated the wrong amount. Can they get a refund?
Please have your donor reach out to Facebook.
-
My friend lives in a different country and wants to donate. Is that possible?
If Facebook is available in their country, yes, they can. If they can’t donate through Facebook, they can donate directly to the United Service Organizations.
-
My page still needs donations. How do I encourage people to donate?
Have you invited friends on Facebook to donate? A great way to kick off your fundraising is by posting the Fundraiser to your Facebook page and tagging friends to ask them to give.
-
My friends don’t have Facebook. Can they still donate to my Fundraiser?
Unfortunately, they cannot donate directly on Facebook, but there are still options to give! ● Donate online to the United Service Organizations here. ● Collect cash: You can deposit the amount of cash collected into your bank account, then donate that amount to your Fundraiser yourself! ● Mail a check to this address: United Service Organizations PO Box 96860 Washington, DC 20077-7677
-
Where do I set up my fundraising page?
Follow the link in the Featured section or the description of the Facebook Group to register. Once you fill out the form, click the "Submit & Activate a Fundraiser" button, and you will be directed to your personal fundraising page! You can edit the name and donation target there, and invite your friends to follow you.
-
Is my fundraiser page public?
Yes, once you set up a fundraising page, it can now be seen on Facebook publicly. This allows all of your friends and family to donate and share it!
-
Can I edit the information to make it in memory of a loved one?
Yes, you can. There is an Edit (or Manage) button on your fundraiser page where you can make your tribute for your loved one and edit all information.
-
My fundraising page has ended. How do I fi x this?
Unfortunately, once your page has finished, you can’t reactivate it. You will need to start a new one with the link in the Facebook Group!
-
Can I share my page outside of Facebook?
Yes, you can! All your friends and family should be able to follow the link and donate to your fundraising page, as long as they also have a Facebook account.
-
How do I find my fundraiser?
Go to facebook.com/fundraisers
-
When I try to register, it says my email is already in use. How do I start my fundraiser?
Check your email for a link to continue your registration. You may want to double-check your spam folder! If you are still having trouble, reach out to your group’s admin for assistance.