A Virginia charity is helping children of soldiers take art, swimming, and music lessons in the hopes that such activities will get their minds off the dangers their parents face in Iraq and Afghanistan, reports The Washington Post.

Our Military Kids has given money to children in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Families — who must have a parent in the National Guard or military reserves — receive gifts of no more than $500, which can be spent on lessons, tutoring, or such things as driver’s education.

General Dynamics has donated $225,000 to the charity, and the Target Corporation, after an initial gift of $20,000, has donated $50,000 this year. The charity has distributed $600,000 overall.

Read The Chronicle’s coverage of other charities that aid the families of soldiers.

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