Libertyville Rotary Sunrise, Zengeler Cleaners Team Up To Support Vets
Northbrook, IL, November 29, 2016: 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. We're happy to announce that the 2016 "Coats for Vets" drive was a HUGE success, collecting more than 4,000 coats and hundreds of other articles of clothing were donated this year. The items were delivered to the North Chicago VA Hospital on Veterans Day - Friday, November 11, a day set aside each year so a grateful nation can honor our veterans.
"Our veterans face serious challenges as they return from active duty," noted Tom Zengeler, President of Zengeler Cleaner, "perhaps none more difficult that readjusting to civilian life and returning to the workforce. Sadly, many jobs held before leaving to serve our country are frequently no longer available, which makes it very challenging to find meaningful work. Libertyville Rotary Sunrise, Zengeler Cleaners, our customers and many others contribute to 'Coats for Vets' to show our gratitude for the sacrifices veterans have made on behalf of all of us. It's a meaningful way to thank our vets for providing the freedom we enjoy."
The response to the annual collection drive was tremendous, resulting in 4,128 coats and jackets along with gloves, scarves and other winter apparel. The donations have a retail value exceeding $400,000, but there's no way to measure how much the donations mean to vets in need. With surviving veterans of conflicts from World War II right through the present time, there are thousands of veterans that need assistance. Basics such as food, shelter and clothing are often difficult to come by, and particularly seasonal items, such as winter coats and jackets.
That was the motivation that helped launch this collection drive a few years ago. "Fortunately, support for 'Coats for Vets' has grown each year," said Zengeler. "People really care about our veterans." Zengeler Cleaners' two Libertyville stores once again served as drop-off locations for the donations. After the items were collected, the Zengeler staff 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. 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 34,000 clubs across the globe.
A sign at Zengeler Cleaners' Park Avenue store saluting the community for their donations is attached. For more information about the 2016 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' 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™.