Rotary collecting coats for homeless vets
Rotary Clubs in Naperville and throughout the region are again participating in a major effort to collect winter coats and other warm clothing in support of the area's homeless veterans.
This year, the goal is to collect and distribute 1,100 clean, gently used winter coats, hats, and gloves to bring comfort and warmth to the homeless veterans who too often remain cold and forgotten.
"We are asking for donations of clean and gently used men's winter coats," said Pat Merryweather, the Rotary District 6450 coat drive co-chairman.
"The larger sizes are needed because the homeless veterans often layer their clothing for the winter."
The clubs also are accepting clean or new men's winter hats and gloves, as well as donations to purchase them. Women's coats and clothing are not needed at this time, because enough of those items are available.
Rotary Clubs are working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations. The clothing will be distributed to the veterans during Stand Down Day, which will be Friday, Nov. 21, in Chicago.
"The community has been extremely generous in the past and this annual coat drive has had a major impact on the lives of veterans who have done so much for our country," Merryweather said.
"It is especially appropriate that these coats will be distributed the Friday before Thanksgiving. This is just one small way we can say 'thank you' to our vets."
Drop-off locations for the clothing drive in Naperville are at the Naperville Unit District 203 administrative office, 203 W. Hillside Drive; Meson Sabika, 1025 Aurora Ave.; and Fair Oaks Ford/Lincoln dealerships, 2055 W. Ogden and 1351 E. Ogden Ave.
Reebie Storage and Moving in Naperville will provide space for all the coats to be sorted, boxed, shrink-wrapped and transported to the distribution site in Chicago.
The concept of "stand down" comes from the military practice of removing exhausted combat units from the field of battle to a place of relative safety where they can rest and recover.
Stand Down Day represents that safe haven for homeless veterans. The goals are to provide a respite from the rigors of life on the street, help area homeless veterans obtain permanent housing, assist attendees in establishing a source of income, and stabilize their health conditions.
The VA will distribute any extra coats to the homeless veterans being served at veteran centers in suburban communities such as Aurora, Joliet, Kankakee, Crestwood and elsewhere.
The remaining coats will be given to recent vets at Hines and Jesse Brown VA hospitals because those centers are receiving many of the younger vets returning home from active duty overseas.
In addition to the clothing, during Stand Down Day the veterans will be offered hot meals, medical and optical services, housing assistance, employment opportunities, legal assistance, haircuts, clothing and camaraderie.
Chicago-area homeless veterans represent about 30 percent of the homeless in the city. The Chicago area veteran centers, VA medical centers and more than 20 public and private agencies lead the Stand Down effort.
For details, contact co-chairs Pat Merryweather at dg6450pat@aol.com or Rich Goulet at rgoulet@wideopenwest.com.
To volunteer, go to www.rotarydistrict6450.org and click on the calendar and dates Nov. 20 or 21. Rotary will contact volunteers one week before the event with additional volunteer information.