The Roselle Park First Aid Squad (RPFAS) will have its members as well as volunteers collecting needed winter items for America’s homeless veterans and their families on Saturday, October 29th.
Thousands of men and women who served this country – along with their families – are currently without adequate basic shelter in New Jersey.
In America, some statistics show that 20% of homeless men are veterans and that 50% of homeless veterans are over 50 years old. Struggling with issues that range from mental illness to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to drug addiction, some veterans have fallen through the cracks of the society they defended. A way to honor their service is to help come to their aid in times of need.
Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 29th, volunteers will be collecting basic items that many of us take for granted.
Items being sought for donation include:
- Gloves
- Knitted Hats
- Hooded Sweat Shirts
- Thermal Socks
- Thermal Underwear
- Brushes
- Chapstick
- Combs
- Deodorant
- Handiwipes
- Moisturizing Cream
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Tissues
It is requested that all items be new and in original packaging.
All items will be collected and distributed to the estimated 9,000 homeless veterans throughout the state by the Veterans Chamber of Commerce-NJ (link) and volunteers of Operation Chillout (link).
Anyone interested in donating but cannot make it on October 29th can drop off their donations at the RPFAS Squad House at 535 Laurel Avenue between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.