NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Since 2012, the Got Our Troops Foundation has been raising money for Veterans' organizations in the greater New Orleans area. The organization began with several people getting together on a Tuesday, as a way to raise money for veterans when it was founded in 2009. Since those humble beginnings, efforts have grown "We noticed a lot of military people needed help and so we decided to form. The GOT is actually an acronym for how we got started as the Guys on Tuesday. We still meet every Tuesday and are about 60 members strong; with both men and women members," said member Jorge Lauriano. GOT Our Troops holds charity events, gives holiday gift cards and has even paid rent for a few special-case individual veterans. They spend a great deal of money, time and support, donating funds to the Southeast Veterans Home, as well as the Volunteers of America organization. Veterans Voices They have raised over $20,000 in 2023 and over $700,000 since the organization began. "We bought ice cream, a plasma 72-inch television, we cater food and do activities at the Southeast Veterans Home. We hold an annual golf fundraiser. It's just these heartfelt and meaningful things we do that is so gratifying. It's the gratitude for men and women that go into harm's way.  They put their life on the line, and we at least owe it to them to assist them and their families.  Most of them are not millionaires and they struggle.  Many work two jobs and have kids.  We want to be able to provide financial assistance in any way we can.  I think it's just the right thing to do." To learn more about the great work, Got Our Troops does, how to donate to their cause and even become a member, visit the Got Our Troops Foundation website. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Next chance of storms coming on Wednesday Deported Veterans worry Trump will "stonewall" bill meant to bring them home Trump 'border czar' says administration will conduct workplace immigration raids Slidell man killed in head-on crash GOT Our Troops Foundation raising funds for New Orleans veterans