GLMV Chamber's Winter Coat Drive for veterans underway
The Green Oaks, Libertyville, Mundelein, Vernon Hills (GLMV) Chamber of Commerce, several organizations, and local businesses and municipalities have joined forces to collect winter coats and outerwear for vets in need and their families.
For as long as many can remember, there has been a local effort to collect coats and raise awareness for Lake County veterans in need and at risk. Originally, the concept was branded Operation Stand Down, led by the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission and participating VFW and American Legion Posts.
Initially, the supply of coats came from stores such as Sears, Value City and Burlington Coat Factory, which all made donations. As those locations began to close, law enforcement and local high schools partnered to collect winter coats and raise awareness of veterans in need and the year-around efforts of the Midwest Veterans Closet.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, new collection locations were needed, and after learning of the need from GLMV board member Jon Petrillo, village of Vernon Hills, GLMV knew they had to get involved.
"Our coat collection for veterans is an ideal way to show our support and thank our vets for their amazing service," said GLMV President Scott Adams.
As such, all are welcome to bring any gently used or new winter coats, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves and other seasonal outerwear to the collection locations listed below. All sizes are acceptable.
Donations will be accepted through Nov. 16. Donated items will be given to Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago for distribution.
"We wish to thank our program sponsor T-Mobile-Vernon Hills, Shurway Movers for donating the collection boxes, and all participants for embarking on this important program for our veterans," Adams said.
Businesses interested in becoming a collection site, or for more information, contact the GLMV Chamber of Commerce at (847) 680-0750 or clevin@glmvchamber.org/
Collection locations:
Drop-off times may vary by location. Contact each location for their specific drop off information.
• Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes, 783 Barron Blvd., Grayslake; (847) 548-2625.
• Centre Club, 200 W. Golf Road, Libertyville; (847) 816-6100.
• DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, 1000 Butterfield, Vernon Hills; (847) 327-0203.
• Farmers Insurance - Debbie Solbrig, 616 N. Bridgeport Terrace, Suite F, Lindenhurst; (847) 356-5560.
• Glacier Ice Arena, 670 N. Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills; (847) 362-1222.
• Great Lakes Credit Union, 2525 Green Bay Road, North Chicago; (847) 578-7341.
• Integral Medical & Rehab, 870 West End Court, #206, Vernon Hills; (224) 424-3147.
• Libertyville Police Department, 200 E. Cook Ave., Libertyville; (847) 362-8310.
• Mundelein Police Department, 221 Lake St., Mundelein; (847) 968-4600.
• Northside Community Bank, 800 N. Rout 83, Mundelein; (847) 837-8883.
• Rosella's Boutique, Butterfield Square, 1435 Peterson Road, Libertyville; (224) 277-3065.
• The Tranel Financial Group, 1509 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; (847) 680-9050.
• Vernon Hills Park District-Sullivan Center, 635 N. Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills; (847) 996-6800.
• Village of Green Oaks, 2020 O'Plaine Road, Green Oaks; (847) 362-5363.
• Village of Mundelein, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein; (847) 949-3200.
• Village of Vernon Hills, 294 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills; (847) 367-3700.
• Vernon Hills Municipal Golf Course, 291 Evergreen Drive, Vernon Hills; (847) 680-9310.
• Willow Lawn Memorial Park, Aarrowood Pet Cemetery, 24090 N. Route 45, Vernon Hills; (847) 634-3787.
• Submit 'Your News' at www.dailyherald.com/share.