Today is Veterans Day. It is a day set aside to pause at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month and thank those who have served in America’s armed forces; from those on the frontlines to those behind a desk – from SEAL to clerk – all those who swore to uphold our Constitution and protect us.
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
War is over, but for some who served, the effects of combat have never left. Some struggle with physical wounds while others have scars that are not visible but are just as debilitating. There are those veterans who are currently homeless who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), addiction to drugs or alcohol, or mental illness.
As the temperatures drop at the closing of the year, Operation Chill Out is asking for donations from Roselle Park residents to help New Jersey homeless veterans. The organization, along with Roselle Park’s own Veterans Chamber of Commerce-NJ, is asking for families to fill backpacks with essential items that will promptly be delivered to a homeless veteran in need.
Backpacks can be picked up at the Roselle Park First Aid Squad House – located at 535 Laurel Avenue – or by contacting Mayor Carl Hokanson at (908) 666-7817 or Kevin Murphy at (908) 956-2863.
Items being sought for each backpack include:
- Thermal Socks (wool/nylon/acrylic)
- Thermal Top
- Thermal Bottom
- Hooded Zipped Sweatshirt or Heavy Flannel Shirt Jacket
- Waterproof Non-Latex GoreTex Gloves
- Acrylic Knit Cap
It is requested that all items be new and in original packaging.
Backpacks will continue to be collected straight through December and into next year if necessary.
So far, over 50 backpacks have been delivered to homeless veterans throughout the state.