Libertyville Rotary Sunrise, Zengeler Cleaners Team Up To Support Vets
Northbrook, IL, December 8, 2015: It's become a fall tradition: for the past several years, Libertyville Rotary Sunrise and Zengeler Cleaners have teamed up to collect coats, gloves, scarves and other winter clothing in support of the nation's veterans. It's their way to say "thank you" to our vets for providing the freedom we enjoy. With surviving veterans of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, along with more recent veterans serving on the front lines in the Middle East as well as other conflicts, there are thousands of veterans in the United States … too many of whom find it challenging as they transition back to a civilian life.
"There are many challenges facing our veterans as they return from active duty," noted Tom Zengeler, President of Zengeler Cleaner. "The two leading examples are readjusting to civilian life and returning to the workforce. Sadly, many of the jobs they held before leaving to serve their country are no longer available, which makes the prospects of finding meaningful work more difficult than ever. To support our veterans, Libertyville Rotary Sunrise along with Zengeler Cleaners and our customers wanted to make a positive difference in their lives as a way to show our gratitude for the sacrifices they've made on behalf of all Americans."
For out-of-work veterans, food, shelter and clothing are often quite difficult to come by, particularly when it comes to seasonal items, such as winter coats and jackets. That was the motivation that launched this collection drive several ears ago. "Support for this worthy cause continues to be strong every single year," continued Zengeler. "The local community pulled together with timely donations to show we really care about our veterans."
The response to the annual collection drive has been tremendous, resulting in a collection that included 2,483 coats and jackets along with gloves, scarves and other winter apparel. The donations have a retail value in excess of $300,000.00 - but there's no way to measure the value of how much these donations mean to our vets in need.
Zengeler Cleaners' two Libertyville stores once again served as drop-off locations for the donations. After the items were collected, Zengeler Cleaners inspected, repaired as needed and cleaned every donated item. They also supported the effort by delivering the clothing in time for Veterans Day on November 11.
The Libertyville Rotary Sunrise Club chapter was founded in 1987. Being an active Rotarian is a Zengeler family tradition: Bob Zengeler, Sr., Tom's father, is now in his 59th year as a Rotarian, while Tom is a Charter Member of the Libertyville Rotary Sunrise Chapter and has had perfect attendance since that Chapter was formed. Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and works to build peace and goodwill in the world. Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries worldwide.
For more information about the Coats for Vets drive, please contact Tom Zengeler, President, at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14, or visit Zengeler Cleaners' website at www.zengelercleaners.com. Zengeler Cleaners' seven stores are located in Deerfield, Hubbard Woods, Northfield, Winnetka, Long Grove, two Libertyville stores and Northbrook. Zengeler Cleaners . . . America's First Family of Dry Cleaning™.