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Donate coats to Mundelein Police Department for veterans

The Mundelein Police Department and the Lake County Veteran’s Assistance Commission are sponsoring a coat drive specifically to benefit area veterans.

They are collecting new or gently used coats from now until Oct. 12. Coats can be dropped off at the Mundelein Police Department, 440 East Hawley St.

“We’re proud to be involved in this important community initiative,” said police Chief Eric Guenther. “We have a significant number of our residents who are serving and a significant number who have served. We are proud to partner with Mundelein High School in an effort to raise awareness of this issue and to address the need.”

Coats also will be collected at the Mundelein High School home football game against the Stevenson Patriots Oct. 11.

“We are honored to work with the Mundelein Police Department in hosting the Mundelein vs. Stevenson game, and excited to showcase our new facility as a venue for the Veteran’s Coat Drive,” stated Ron Girard, communications director at Mundelein High School.

“As a school district, we understand the importance of community, and the coat drive is a terrific cause for veterans and is just another example of how we can work together to help those in need.”

The Lake County Veteran’s Assistance Commission assists veterans in need to receive a medical and dental assessment, a haircut, and a referral for other services. In addition, with winter approaching, the VAC has set a goal of providing each veteran in need with one winter coat.

According to Mike Peck, director of the Lake County Veteran’s Assistance Commission, approximately 13 percent of Lake County’s veterans are unemployed, with 388 receiving state assistance, 131 requiring monthly food supplement aid, and approximately 60 who are homeless.

“In 2012, we served 256 veterans. I am expecting to serve over 300 veterans this year,” Peck said.

“Many of those veterans seeking services are homeless or at risk, and in addition to the services being provided, the VAC has always tried to make clothing available for potential job interviews and coats available prior to the onset of winter,” he added.

All Lake County residents are encouraged to support this important veterans assistance initiative.

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