Help For Homeless Veterans Fills Backpacks With Winter Gear

Cumming GA

27 December, 2021

12:29 PM

Description

CUMMING, GA —With the cold temperatures and icy winds of the upcoming winter upon us, AboutFace-USA in Cumming invited several other organizations to volunteer for the filling of backpacks for homeless veterans. About Face-USA and eight local groups gathered at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in Cumming to stuff backpacks with new underwear, T-shirts, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, and emergency sleeping bags. Blankets, coats, toiletries and food items were also packed up for veterans without a place to live. Participating in the preparation of the backpacks were Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9143 and the Auxiliary, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1030, American Legion Post 307, NAACP, Five Star Painting, Lanier-Forsyth Rotary, Midway United Methodist Church, Cumming First United Methodist Church and several volunteers unaffiliated with any organization. In all, 160 backpacks were filled and delivered to two locations of the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Gateway Center's Veterans, the Veterans Empowerment Organization, and to Minority Veterans of America, all in Atlanta. Homeless veterans often seek help at these locations. In advance of distribution, these facilities were contacted to determine how many backpacks were needed. "We care about the Forsyth County homeless veterans too, but there is no facility here for homeless veterans, so we will hand the backpacks out on an individual basis," AboutFace-USA President Carol LaBranche said. Bringing different local organizations to the project demonstrates the community's appreciation for the service and sacrifice of all veterans and compassion for the homeless veterans. "This effort clearly demonstrates the power and benefit of veterans and the community working together," About Face-USA Founder Joe LaBranche said. For more information about the work of About Face-USA visit online.