The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Toiletry drive supports homeless veterans
Coalition erans, According the of Stand Homeless to the Down National con- Vetcept was used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Stand Down afforded the soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being. Now, the same concept is used to uplift homeless veterans across the country. Veterans Affairs holds Stand Down ev e nts a ll year-long across the coun- try. Here in Georgia, The Georgia District Pilot Inter- national Clubs and Geor- gia Cancer Specialists, affili- ated with Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, kicked off their seventh annual Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive for Georgia’s home- less veterans. Running until Sept. 11, the drive collects needed toiletry and personal care items to fill “comfort bags” for veterans who attend Stand Down events throughout North and Central Georgia.
The effort started in 2012, when Robin Williams, a Marine an employee Corp of veteran Georgia Can- and cer Specialist (GCS), asked the Department of Veterans Affair about what items could be donated for the annual Stand Down. She identified acceptable items which included items many and toiletry/personal she decided to care get the word out to Pilot Clubs throughout the state. Her Pilot Club, Peachtree Pilot Club of Atlanta, met at the Georgia Cancer Specialists for an evening of sorting and packing these items. That evening, 200 “Com- fort Bags” were packed with travel size items. “That evening, Dr. Al Sol- tan, CEO of Georgia Cancer Specialists came to visit the club, observed the sorting and packing event, and said that he would like to partic- ipate in this project annually, creating another service and volunteer oppor- tunity for the employees of Georgia Cancer Specialists,” shared Williams. Since then, a six-year-old partnership has resulted in receiving more than 26 tons of travel size personal care/ toiletry items donated by citizens from all over north and central Georgia. Each of the 26 Georgia Cancer Specialists clinics as well as other locally owned business have served as drop-off locations for the donations. “One of the wonderful outcomes of this event is the increased awareness of the numbers of homeless veterans throughout the metro area,” shared Williams. Geor- gia ranks third in the country with the highest number
of 10,000 been ment handles homeless Since homeless donated of “Comfort Veterans the 2012, distribution veterans. to more Affairs, the Bags” Depart- than have who to and at-risk veterans who attend the Stand Down events, or who visit the department located at Ft. McPherson in East Point. Volunteer opportunities the “Sort and Pack” parfor ties ual nizations, and are available other however service for pre-reg- individ- orgaistration uled “Sort is required. and Pack” Sched- dates for the 2018 campaign are and Sept 18. Aug. For 14 a list of drop-off loca- tions, visit www.gacancer.com. For more information about Down or Stand to volunteer, Up for Stand call 770-864-5347.