Meet the Elk Grove Village Auxiliary to VFW Post 9284
Since 1914, and with 107 years of committed service, the VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation's oldest veterans' service organizations. The Elk Grove Village Auxiliary to Post 9284 was formed in the early 1970s serving the community for over 50 years with the common purpose to improve the lives of veterans, service members and their families as well as our community.
We'd like to introduce you to the work of one of our members Taren Kapsouris - who volunteers her time and resources to help alleviate an unfortunate situation experienced by some veterans. As of January, 2019, Illinois had an estimated 10,199 people experience homelessness on any given day. Of that total, 690 were veterans. The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans based in Wheaton has stepped up to alleviate the situation. The Shelter provides housing for 4-5 veterans in each of their 4 locally run homes. Taren volunteers to help feed these vets. When Taren ran a restaurant, she frequently donated about 40 servings of soup to the shelter (enough for all four homes). When her restaurant closed, she began preparing 20 home cooked meals each week (again, enough for the vets at all locations).
During COVID, the vets could not self-quarantine in the homes due to space limitations so they were housed at a hotel in Carol Stream. Taren generously gave more of her time, effort and funds during this period preparing 3-4 weekly breakfasts and lunches in addition to dinners to the vets while they stayed at the hotel.
It's amazing what Taren has been able to accomplish on her own. Think of what more of us can do to lighten the load of our homeless vets. If you'd like to see how you can help, please contact the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans based in Wheaton at (630) 871-8387 or contact them via their website: helpaveteran.org. Many thanks to Taren for her generosity and willingness to step up to help homeless vets!
Membership gives us the power, strength and unity to truly make a difference. Each of our members counts. Each member makes a difference. Your membership makes it happen. Come join us. We are located at 400 E. Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village and welcome local male and female relatives of those who have served overseas. We can be contacted at 847-439-9284, through our website (vfw9284.org) or via Face Book: Elk Grove VFW Club 9284.