This Saturday, May 23rd, the Veterans Chamber of Commerce-NJ will be at the Roselle Park First Aid Squad (RPFAS) for the semi-annual collection of necessities for homeless veterans and their families throughout New Jersey. As part of Operation Chillout, items will be distributed to those who have served in the military and are currently in America without permanent shelter.
The collection will be at the Roselle Park First Aid Squad, located at 535 Laurel Avenue, from noon until 4 in the afternoon.
Operation Chillout Homeless Veterans Outreach, runs through Labor Day weekend. Its purpose is to collect and distribute bottles of water, tee shirts, caps, as well as other supplies to homeless veterans – men and women – in New Jersey.
Items that will be accepted include:
- Cases of bottled water
- Baseball caps (new)
- Tee shirts (new)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Chapstick
- Deodorant
- Combs & Brushes
- Tissues
- Sunblock
- Hand wipes
Those unable to attend or participate on May 23rd but would still like to donate and drop off any of the items requested can have them delivered to the RPFAS building. Members of the First Aid Squad are available evenings Sunday through Friday 7:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the Squad House.
Over the years, Operation Chillout was able to collect and distribute thousands of bottles of water, new tee-shirts, caps, and supplies to homeless veterans, men and women, in the state through the efforts and cooperation of events such as this.
It is estimated that there are between 7,000 to 8,000 homeless veterans in New Jersey who suffer with a wide range of issues. Anyone interested in more information can contact the Roselle Park based organization Veterans Chamber of Commerce-NJ at (908) 956-2863.