"The Blue Star Moms chapter hopes the benefit Saturday in Fridley will aid the 180 such vets in the St. Cloud area.
By Maria Elena Baca,
Star Tribune
Last update: November 16, 2007 – 5:48 PM
A group of women with sons in the military is working to help other people's sons, fathers and brothers who have become homeless after leaving the service.
The north metro chapter of Blue Star Moms of America is hosting a benefit today at the Fridley VFW, which will include three live bands (headlined by City Knights), a buffet supper, a raffle and more to raise money for the St. Cloud Veterans Administration Medical Center Homeless Veterans Fund, which helps vets to find and keep temporary housing with short-term grants and counseling. It also helps provide food, clothing and transportation.
The chapter, which includes families from Monticello to northeast Minneapolis, was responding to a call from the national organization, which noted that there are about 180 homeless veterans in the St. Cloud area alone.
"I guess I'm just one of those people in the United States of America who think that should never happen," said Dennie Meyer, who founded the north metro chapter when her son, Judson, was deployed to Iraq three years ago. "Our veterans should never be homeless. It's not right."
Organizers also will collect new and gently used mittens, hats, coats, boots and sleeping bags.
"Anything that will protect them from the outer elements is something we definitely can use," Meyer said. The group also will accept contributions for the potluck and bake sale.
To make in-kind contributions for the event, call Meyer at 763-464-1234.
Maria Elena Baca • 612-673-4409
Maria Elena Baca • mbaca@startribune.com
"Fridley fundraiser to help homeless veterans:
No comments:
Post a Comment