The fourth annual Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive for Georgia’s homeless veterans takes place July 4 through Sept. 11.
The drive collects much-needed toiletry and personal care items to fill “comfort bags” for veterans who attend the Atlanta VA Medical Center’s annual “Stand Down” event in October.
“Stand Down” is a military term that refers to the time when troops are brought back from the battlefield for rest and recuperation.
The Atlanta VA Stand Down event provides health and other services to help homeless veterans get back on their feet. More than 850 homeless veterans were served at the 2014 event.
The Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive was started in 2012 by Georgia district Pilot International Clubs. GCS became involved in 2013. Twenty-seven GCS offices across Georgia, including 19 in Metro Atlanta, will participate in this year’s drive.
Travel/sample-size toiletry and personal care items are needed including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, combs/brushes, body wash/soap, shampoo and conditioner, lotion and feminine products.
“The assistance from our community volunteers, such as the Georgia Cancer Specialists and the Northside Hospital volunteers, is invaluable to the success of our Stand Down,” said April Edwards, LCSW, clinical director, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. “The donated items such as hygiene packets, clothing and food provide our veterans with basic necessities that many take for granted.”
“The dignity, concern and respect shown by the community shows our veterans that they have not been forgotten,” Edwards added. “The Atlanta VA’s Healthcare for Homeless Veterans salutes all of those who served those who served our country.”
Donations can be dropped off at any GCS location in Georgia. For a list of locations, visit www.gacancer.com.
For more information about the Stand Up for Stand Down drive, contact 770-864-5347 or SU4SD@yahoo.com, or visit www.facebook.com/SU4SD.
Sponsored by the metro area Pilot International Clubs and Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS), affiliated with Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login