Libertyville Rotary Sunrise, Zengeler Cleaners Team Up To Support Vets
Northbrook, IL, December 19, 2017: 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 and Vietnam, along with thousands more who served in the Middle East and in other conflicts, there are literally thousands of veterans in the United States . . . too many of whom have fallen on hard times since their return to civilian life.
"There are many challenges facing our veterans when they return from active duty," noted Tom Zengeler, President of Zengeler Cleaner. "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 help in this time of need, Libertyville Rotary Sunrise, Zengeler Cleaners, our customers and many others wanted to make a positive difference in their lives as one small way to show our gratitude for the sacrifices these heroes have 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 the initial collection drive several years ago. "Support for this worthy cause has grown each year," continued Zengeler. "Many people came together with timely donations to show how much we care about our veterans."
The response to the annual collection drive has been tremendous, resulting in a collection that included 5,286 coats and jackets along with gloves, scarves and other winter apparel. The donations have a retail value in excess of $512,000.00 - 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, has more than 60 years 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 34,200 clubs across the globe.
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 has eight locations, with stores in Deerfield, Hubbard Woods, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka, Long Grove and two stores in Libertyville. Zengeler Cleaners - America's first family of drycleanersTM!