Stand Down for Veterans set for March 31-April 1 in Algonquin

National Association of Systems Administrators Education Corp. (NASA Education) will host an orientation meeting for volunteers and service providers for the Stand Down for Veterans at 7 p.m. Tuesday at its headquarters, 3305 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake. The number to call for information is (866) 338-4968 (866-EDU-4YOU).

At the orientation meeting, tasks will be explained and time slots assigned. Volunteers are needed to help set up the site on the afternoon of March 30; work the Stand Down itself March 31 and April 1, and clean up the site the afternoon of April 1.

The Stand Down for Veterans will take place from 9 a.m. March 31 to 3 p.m. April 1 at YMCA Camp Algonquin, 1889 Cary Road, Algonquin. Veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, homeless, unemployed or otherwise in transition will receive a variety of services including medical screenings, employment services, referrals for housing assistance and food vouchers, information about benefits to which they may be entitled, assistance applying for VA medical benefits, information about community programs for homeless and low-income individuals, referrals for dental and eye care, overnight shelter March 31, all meals during the event, free haircuts, chair massages, and the distribution of clothes, coats, new underwear, and toiletry items.

NASA Education will accept applications for Project Fresh Start, its vocational rehabilitation and community reintegration program for U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition. The organization will also accept applications for its recently purchased transitional housing facility. NASA Education is a Crystal Lake-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive vocational rehabilitation and community reintegration services for U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition.

Donations are needed for the Stand Down in the form of cash, new and like-new clothes for men and women, baked goods or other desserts, toiletries, fast food gift certificates in small denominations,

Call NASA Education at (866) 338-4968 toll-free for more information about the Stand Down, transportation pick-up points, volunteering and making donations. Or you can send an e-mail to Amy Johnson at Amy_Johnson@nasaeducation.org. The NASA Education Web site is www.nasaeducation.org.