thedrifter
02-10-07, 06:35 PM
Donations help vets fight cold; generosity warms hearts
SHELTER: Donated coats help them ward off the cold while the generosity warms their hearts.
10:00 PM PST on Friday, February 9, 2007
By JOE VARGO
The Press-Enterprise
Former soldiers, Marines and other veterans staying at the U.S. Vets shelter near March Air Reserve Base got some winter help this week.
A truck loaded with a ton of goods arrived at the shelter, and the veterans quickly distributed the new coats, gloves, socks, sweatshirts and blankets.
Temecula Valley People Helping People and the St. Martha Community Food Pantry in Murrieta have helped the veterans before, delivering dozens of holiday dinners and other items in December.
The Zumiez Foundation contributed clothing for this week's delivery. The foundation was created by Zumiez Inc., which specializes in apparel for skateboarders and surfers.
Efforts will continue throughout 2007 to lend a hand to the veterans group, said Denny Mighell, president of People Helping People. Businesses will be encouraged to adopt a veteran, Mighell said, and efforts will continue to raise money for bus passes, personal items and other necessities.
"These are good people," Mighell said. "A lot of these guys are Vietnam veterans who were drafted. They didn't have a choice about whether to serve or not. They weren't treated with respect when they got home."
U.S. Vets is assisting 119 former military personnel, said program director Gina Vaughn. Some are struggling to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. Others are working and saving so they can live on their own.
The program provides counseling and job assistance.
Vaughn said U.S. Vets always needs items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, shaving kits, deodorant and underwear.
Tobacco products are also accepted because many of the residents smoke.
The vets who received clothing were still thrilled days later.
"It's good to know there are people out there who still care about us," said Russell Simpson, 53, a former Marine Corps staff sergeant who served in Vietnam in 1973. "It makes you feel good."
Robert Duff, 56, who was in Vietnam in 1970 with the U.S. Army medical branch, said many former soldiers come into U.S. Vets with only the clothes on their back. He received a black nylon parka jacket this week.
"This is a big deal," he said.
Reach Joe Vargo at 951-567-2407 or jvargo@PE.com
Helping Veterans
Personal hygiene items, bus passes and tobacco are needed for military veterans served by the U.S. Vets shelter near March Air Reserve Base.
Location: 15105 Sixth St., Moreno Valley
Program information: 951-656-6890 or www.usvetsinc.org
How to assist: People Helping People, 951-757-5212
Ellie
SHELTER: Donated coats help them ward off the cold while the generosity warms their hearts.
10:00 PM PST on Friday, February 9, 2007
By JOE VARGO
The Press-Enterprise
Former soldiers, Marines and other veterans staying at the U.S. Vets shelter near March Air Reserve Base got some winter help this week.
A truck loaded with a ton of goods arrived at the shelter, and the veterans quickly distributed the new coats, gloves, socks, sweatshirts and blankets.
Temecula Valley People Helping People and the St. Martha Community Food Pantry in Murrieta have helped the veterans before, delivering dozens of holiday dinners and other items in December.
The Zumiez Foundation contributed clothing for this week's delivery. The foundation was created by Zumiez Inc., which specializes in apparel for skateboarders and surfers.
Efforts will continue throughout 2007 to lend a hand to the veterans group, said Denny Mighell, president of People Helping People. Businesses will be encouraged to adopt a veteran, Mighell said, and efforts will continue to raise money for bus passes, personal items and other necessities.
"These are good people," Mighell said. "A lot of these guys are Vietnam veterans who were drafted. They didn't have a choice about whether to serve or not. They weren't treated with respect when they got home."
U.S. Vets is assisting 119 former military personnel, said program director Gina Vaughn. Some are struggling to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. Others are working and saving so they can live on their own.
The program provides counseling and job assistance.
Vaughn said U.S. Vets always needs items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, shaving kits, deodorant and underwear.
Tobacco products are also accepted because many of the residents smoke.
The vets who received clothing were still thrilled days later.
"It's good to know there are people out there who still care about us," said Russell Simpson, 53, a former Marine Corps staff sergeant who served in Vietnam in 1973. "It makes you feel good."
Robert Duff, 56, who was in Vietnam in 1970 with the U.S. Army medical branch, said many former soldiers come into U.S. Vets with only the clothes on their back. He received a black nylon parka jacket this week.
"This is a big deal," he said.
Reach Joe Vargo at 951-567-2407 or jvargo@PE.com
Helping Veterans
Personal hygiene items, bus passes and tobacco are needed for military veterans served by the U.S. Vets shelter near March Air Reserve Base.
Location: 15105 Sixth St., Moreno Valley
Program information: 951-656-6890 or www.usvetsinc.org
How to assist: People Helping People, 951-757-5212
Ellie