Joliet Rotary & District 6450 Winter Clothing Drive for Homeless Veterans
Posted by William Jenkins
On November 8, Rotarians from District 6450 will join together with Hines and Jesse Brown VA, veteran organizations, and community based organizations to provide services to support the homeless veterans throughout the Chicagoland area. Rotarians will be providing and fitting the homeless veterans with coats, hats, gloves, and other clothing and blankets for the winter.Of the adult homeless in the Chicago area, it is estimated that almost 40% of them are homeless veterans - many of which are from the Vietnam war. As we remember that 50 years ago this year we entered the Vietnam war, we also remember that for many of our homeless veterans they have struggled for as many
years. It has been only since 2009 that the veterans have been recognized and provided supportive services to address post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
and other conditions that can result from war.
At this time we are seeking new or gently user winter coats (no leather or fur please, sizes large and XL preferred), hats, gloves (with leather or Poly palms) and long underwear for November 8 Stand Down Day. We know that in 2011, 850 homeless veterans turned up for the November Stand Down Day and the veteran organizations only had 75 coats to provide to the 850 homeless veterans. In an effort to make sure that this shortage does not occur again, we at the Joliet Rotary Club are committed gathering as many coats, hats and gloves as possible. Our deadline for collection is October 30th.
Below you find a list of local businesses who have agreed to be a drop off site for the winter items. You may also bring these items to our weekly meetings. If you are interested in volunteering for the event on November 8th in Chicago or if you would like to help us locally with pick-up from our drop off sites please contact the Joliet Rotarians below.
Tom Grotovsky (815) 378-2169
Bill Jenkins (815)-725-9887
Clayt Gates
DROP OFF SITES:
- R. Berti Building Solutions - 1604 Caton Farm Rd. Lockport 60441
8-4:30 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
- Sprint Air 1 Wireless - 2296 Essington Rd. Joliet, 60435
Monday – Friday 8:00am- 8:00pm
Sat-10:00am-8:00 pm
Sunday- 11:00am-5:00pm
- Sprint Air 1 Wireless - 2117 S Rt. 59, Plainfield
Monday – Friday 8:00am- 8:00pm
Sat- 10:00am-8:00 pm
Sunday- 11:00am-5:00pm
- J D Brown Pharmacy - 837 Plainfield Rd, Joliet
Monday – Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm
Sat- 10:00am-3:00 pm