IRS issues $530K in COVID-19 relief checks to veteran service organizations
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act checks were delivered last month to veteran service organizations in Oakland County hurt by COVID-19.
Oakland County executives and county commissioners brought much needed help to 28 local veteran service organizations by delivering CARES Act checks totaling $530,000.
These organizations have struggled to cover expenses since the pandemic began because of closures that affected their ability to host fundraisers. The grants may be used to help organizations cover operating expenses and the cost to acquire personal protective equipment.
The county also offered grants to individual veterans who needed help. It provided about $800,000 to 340 Oakland County veterans or their dependents who were harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Veterans could apply for up to $2,500 in emergency aid for necessities such as food, housing assistance, utility bills or childcare.
The $1 million Oakland County Veteran Service Fund was created by an allocation from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners using money from the CARES Act and a grant the county’s Veterans’ Services division received from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/news.
• Michigan Veteran Homes: The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency had a tremendous response to their call for holiday cards for the members of the Michigan Veteran Homes. Hundreds of people took time out of their holiday to make a veteran smile during these challenging times. It’s never too late to give back to those who served by sending a card, picture, drawing or a
simple note of gratitude. They can be sent year-round to: Grand Rapids Home for Veterans 3000 Monroe Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans 425 Fisher St.. Marquette, MI 49855. When sending, add “ATTN: Make A Vet Smile” to the envelope.
• VA’s Solid Start Program contacted 70,000 veterans in its first year as part of its effort to support transitioning service members.
Call 1-800-MICH-VET or visit www.MichiganVeterans.com and click “Why Michigan” (center of page) to learn more about what Michigan has to offer.
• Friday Fish Fry: Oxford American Legion Post 108 hosts a carry-out only Friday Fish Fry from noon to 8 p.m. Jan. 15, 130 E. Drahner Road. Cost is $9 to $11 for a variety of fish and chicken dinner choices. For more information, call 248-628-9081.
• Raffle Drawing: Farmington Groves-Walker American Legion Post 346 hosts a Queen of Hearts Progressive Raffle drawing at 7:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, on the back patio, at 31775 Grand River Avenue, with a light dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be heated tents, and bathrooms will be open. Raffle tickets are only $1 by emailing 346Queen@gmail.com or call 248-478-9174. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/
www.americanlegionpost346.org.
MediaNews Group is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.