'Coats for Vets' drive in Lake County a huge success
Lake County communities responded in record numbers to the annual "Coats for Vets" drive sponsored by Libertyville Sunrise Rotary and Zengeler Cleaners.
The 2022 collection drive netted 7,861 coats and jackets, as well as hundreds of winter necessities such as gloves, scarves and other seasonal clothing in support of local veterans.
The items were collected from mid-October through Nov. 11 - Veterans Day - then inspected, cleaned and delivered to the North Chicago VA Hospital by Zengeler Cleaners.
"Veterans Day is a time set aside to give a grateful nation an opportunity each year to recognize and honor our veterans," said Tom Zengeler, president of Zengeler Cleaners.
"It's been well documented that vets returning from active duty face a myriad serious challenges as they readjust to civilian life, perhaps none more challenging than finding a productive job that matches their skills. Too often, jobs held before leaving to serve are no longer available, making it very difficult to find meaningful work."
Libertyville Rotary Sunrise, Zengeler Cleaners, its customers and other concerned citizens contribute to "Coats for Vets" as a way to thank veterans for their sacrifices.
With so many veterans surviving conflicts from World War II through the present time, there are tens of thousands needing assistance for basics such as food, shelter and clothing, particularly seasonal items.
"Our staff was blown away by the results of this year's collection drive," Zengeler said. "The volume really drove home the message about just how much our customers and neighbors care about the country's veterans."
The Libertyville Rotary Sunrise Club chapter was founded in 1987. 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. There are currently 1.4 million members in 48,000 clubs in 130 countries around the world.
For more information about the 2022 Coats for Vets drive, visit zengelercleaners.com, or contact Tom Zengeler at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14.
Zengeler Cleaners stores are in Deerfield, Northfield, Winnetka, Northbrook, Long Grove and two in Libertyville.
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