Between now and Veterans Day, the American Legion Post 413 Auxiliary is once again collecting warm clothing for Help-A-Vet, a Minneapolis group formed to deal with the growing number of homeless veterans in the Twin Cities.
Auxiliary member Nancy Backlund, who learned that the shelter system in the Twin Cities is chronically short of beds and that many veterans end up sleeping outside, no matter how cold the weather, organized the inaugural clothing drive. The Auxiliary, whose mission is to serve our nation’s veterans wanted to do something to help.
Last year’s collection was very successful and the Auxiliary hopes to once again gather as much warm clothing and other supplies as possible.
The Help-A-Vet program began with donations of quilts to homeless veterans, but perhaps more important are donations of warm clothing and cold-weather gear. Help-A-Vet is seeking items such as winter boots and coats, socks, long johns, hooded sweatshirts, new men’s underwear, backpacks, travel-sized toiletries, backpacks and sleeping bags.
If you would like to help Post 413 Legion Auxiliary collect these necessary warm weather items, simply bring them to the American Legion lounge in Grand Marais. If you would like more information, please contact Nancy Backlund at (218) 387-1798.
If you would like to learn more about Help-A-Vet, visit www.HandsFoundation.com.
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