Clothing drive for homeless veterans expanded for 2013

Mark Saturday, October 26, on your calendar. That’s the day The Women of Quail Creek will sponsor its fourth annual clothing drive to benefit homeless veterans in the Tucson area. The event, as part of the national Make-A-Difference Day program, will take place in the front parking lot at the Madera Clubhouse from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

According to the Veterans Administration there are 2,670 homeless veterans in the greater Tucson area who have enrolled with the VA. Women accounted for 241, and 374 are Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraq Freedom veterans. The remaining represent different time periods of service.

If your winter clothing has shrunk while sitting in storage over the summer, please consider donating it to those who have served our country. Socks and underwear which must be new and backpacks are especially needed. All donated items should be clean and in good condition. Hand knitted hats and scarves are always welcomed. In addition to warm clothing for both men and women, donations of travel size toilet articles will be accepted.

The Homeless Office at the VA Hospital has expanded its program to place homeless veterans in transitional housing until they can find jobs and move on to more permanent housing. To help with this program, they are asking for toilet paper, paper towels, dish and laundry soap, waste baskets, garbage bags, shower curtains, rugs and cleaning supplies. Used but working vacuum cleaners, pots, pans, cookie sheets and lamps are also needed.

You can be a viable part of Make-A-Difference Day by donating clothing, household items, cash or checks payable to Volunteer Services. Receipts for tax purposes will be provided upon request.

After sorting and packing the items, TWOQC will deliver the donations to the Veterans Hospital in Tucson. For the past three years this event was a huge success and aided so many in need. Please help make a difference again this year.

Contact Peggy McGee at [email protected] or phone 520-207-6188 if you have questions.