Goodwill to Hold Stand Down for Homeless Veterans

-
Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold the third annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans at O’Brien Field on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The Stand Down for Homeless Veterans is a community based intervention program designed to provide area homeless veterans with much needed resources to start them on a path to a better life. Goodwill, along with 68 other social service agencies, local businesses, and veterans’ services organizations, will provide homeless veterans with food, winter clothing, personal hygiene products, and an opportunity for a hot shower and a haircut. The veterans will also have opportunities to attend classes relating to maintaining sobriety, managing depression and stress, veterans’ benefits, money management, legal matters and child support. In addition to the classes, veterans will also have the opportunity to meet with representatives one on one to discuss these topics.

Homeless veterans will also have the chance to learn about the free programs Goodwill offers veterans looking to improve their lives through the power of work. “We are hoping that this will be more than just a one day event for these veterans. Our goal is to show our veterans that we appreciate them and that we have the programs in place for them to help get their lives back on track,” said Vicki Hightower, Veterans’ Services Manager for Goodwill.

This year, Goodwill expects to serve over 130 homeless veterans. Jim Lynch, Director of Development, said, “This event wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of many wonderful organizations throughout central Illinois. The outpouring of donations and the number of people who want to volunteer is truly inspiring. The Stand Down is a great example of how donating to Goodwill supports our veterans and helps them work to make their lives better.”


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Illinois Chamber, Government Affairs Report

-
Image
          GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ------------ Report     July 12th, 2024    This Week in Illinois   President & CEO Sandoval Testifies in Senate Transportation Committee Hearing on Mass Transit and the Economy   On Tuesday, the first of at least six hearings on public transit was held at the Bilandic Building in Chicago. There is an anticipated funding gap that will arise for regional transit in 2026 after COVID-related federal funding has been exhausted. The budget deficit is projected to be $730 million to return to pre-pandemic service levels. This first Senate Transportation Committee hearing was on how transit suppor...
Read more

Local High School to Win a SMART Board in 5th Annual Recycle Your Style Contest

-
Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold the 5th Annual Recycle Your Style Contest. High school students within Goodwill’s territory are encouraged to donate their used clothing. The high school that donates the most pounds of clothing will win a SMART Board donated by Bradfield’s Computer Supply. The contest runs from October 1st through October 31st. “This has been a very successful campaign for us,” said Bob Parkhurst, Goodwill Vice President. “We are grateful for Bradfield’s Computer Supply’s donation of a SMART Board each year. That prize really heats up the competition among the high schools.” Donations of items other than clothing are encouraged, but only clothing will count toward the contest. Only high schools are eligible, but others can participate including teachers, family and school supporters. Donors need to tell the Goodwill donation attendant which high school they are supporting for their donation to be counted. Donations can be made at any of Goodwill’s nine stores o...
Read more