Elk Grove Village groups donate bedding to veterans shelter
On Tuesday, July 2, The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and Tasty Catering, both of Elk Grove Village, teamed up to deliver new bedding to include: 15 mattresses, 15 mattress pads, 30 sets of sheets, and 30 pillows to a homeless veterans shelter in Chicago.
The items were donated by The Heart Of A Marine Foundation to the Eddy Beard Transitional Home for Veterans in Chicago.
“We heard of this need, and we had to be involved,” said Roy Frank, co-founder of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and Gold Star dad. “It’s hard enough to imagine that people who gave their life for our country are homeless, but then to think they are sleeping on old bedding and using towels as pillows. It’s unconscionable. We had to step up to this plate.”
After acquiring the items, transportation was a concern. The items were much larger than any of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation vehicles could transport.
“I had a chance run in with Larry Walter of Tasty Catering,” said Barbara Matsukes, director of marketing for the foundation. “I have known Larry for years, and have firsthand knowledge of his ethics and generosity in business. I did not even mention that we needed assistance with this project, and he offered his team, time and fuel costs to make this donation a reality for the men of the Eddy Beard Home.” She added, “I guess there really are no chance run-ins.”
Jackie Edens, executive director of Inner Voice Chicago said, “We are over the moon with this donation. These are challenging times and we very much appreciate the kindness and generosity of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and those assisting in the delivery.”
“It is such our pleasure to do this.” Matsukes said. “It is nice to know there is a shelter in a time of need, but these facilities don’t come equipped. Now they have all these sheets to wash, next up are new washers and dryers”!
Frank commented, “Consider that done, we’re on it.”
Larry Walter added, “We will deliver them!”
The Eddy Beard Transitional Home for Veterans provides interim housing for honorably discharged veterans. Eddy Beard works with VA Hospitals and the Inner Voice of Chicago program to ensure the residents of medical services and employment placement assistance.
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation was established in memory, honor and spirit of Marine Lance Corporal Phillip Frank, and serves all branches of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Donations like this to the Eddy Beard Home is made possible by monies raised at The Heart Of A Marine Foundation fundraisers, such as the annual golf outing which was held at Cog Hill on Aug. 7.
For information, visit www.heartofamarine.org or call (847) 621-7324.
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