Volunteers with the Help-A-Vet program were pleased to distribute cold weather clothing collected by American Legion Post 413 Auxiliary. Inset: Cook County’s response to the request was fantastic.
The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to serve our nation’s veterans. When the Auxiliary learned about the efforts of Help-A-Vet, a Minneapolis group formed by veteran Tom McKenna to deal with the growing numbers of homeless veterans in Minneapolis, the local auxiliary wanted to help. Through November, the auxiliary collected clothing and personal care items for homeless vets. The community response was overwhelming and several loads have been taken to the Minneapolis area.
Nancy Backlund of Grand Marais organized the clothing drive and delivered the donations from American Legion Post 413.
Backlund said the donations were overwhelmingly generous, with 25 pair of hand-knit socks, some large-sized Sorel boots, and many winter clothing items with tags still attached.
Backlund shared a note of thanks that she received from Help-A-Vet organizer Tom McKenna, who wrote, “We can’t express how awesome it has been to get all the donated items from the Grand Marais area. As the cold winter months arrive, the need for clothing, jackets, boots, blankets and sleeping bags rises exponentially.
“The shelter system in the Twin Cities is chronically short of beds and many veterans spend their nights outside no matter how cold it gets. The donations we have received make their unbearable situation a little more bearable and make a tremendous difference in the lives of the veterans we serve. Your donations of a warm winter coat, a pair of boots, a pair of jeans, or a bar of soap, are much more than the items we supply; they provide dignity and self-respect.
“ Thank you so much for partnering with us as we help veterans carry the weight of homelessness, and let them know that they are not forgotten. Please thank everyone who has donated items for us to give out, and let them know what a tremendous difference it is making!” wrote McKenna from “Everyone at Help-A-Vet.”
Help-A-Vet, along with the Hands Foundation are working together toward the goal of eradicating the epidemic of homeless veterans in our country. In addition to helping meet the pressing need for warm clothing, the organizations are expanding their mission to help veterans find jobs and housing, so monetary contributions are also welcome.
If you would like to learn more about Help-A-Vet, visit www.HandsFoundation.com. Information is also available from Nancy Backlund at (218) 387-1798.
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