14th annual veteran fundraiser returns to Hines VA on May 15

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital will host its 14th annual VA2K Walk & Roll event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 15.

The free event will include a short two-kilometer outdoor walk (1.24 miles) and is open to veterans, families, staff and community members. Participants do not have to be veterans or receive VA health care.

To help unhoused and in-need veterans, participants are encouraged to bring a voluntary donation, such as clothing, blankets, toiletries or nonperishable food items. All donations will support Chicago-area homeless veterans.

Participants should arrive before 10 a.m. outside the Building 12 Winter Garden, near Crossman Circle, at Hines VA’s main hospital campus at 5000 S. 5th Ave, Hines, IL 60141.

Those wishing to donate earlier can drop off items at donation boxes at Hines VA’s main entrance lobby, Building 228 lobby or outside the hospital cafeteria. Community members can also purchase donation items online at va.gov/hines-health-care/events/67892.

VA will hold simultaneous VA2K events at facilities across the nation. Since 2011, more than $3 million in donations have been raised nationally to help homeless veterans.

The two-kilometer paved walking route will tour the hospital’s suburban campus. Participants are encouraged to check local weather reports and dress accordingly.

In the event of inclement weather, the starting location will be moved inside Building 12’s Winter Garden.

For information, contact: Sheila.Swann-Guerrero@va.gov.