Peggy McGee
We celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Did you know that there are about 350 homeless veterans living on the streets of Tucson? As the holiday season approaches, the Green Valley Chapter, Military Officers Association, wanted to do something to help those who have served our country and now find themselves without shelter. Their solution was to sponsor a contactless non-perishable food and grocery drive. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m.
To make things convenient for Quail Creek residents, there will be three drop-off locations, all driveways. Donations may be left at 1341 N. Goldeneye Way, 2304 E. Madera Plateau Drive, and 1908 E. Longspur Place.
In addition to the homeless veterans without shelter in the Tucson area, there are about 1,500 others in the Southern Arizona area, including Tucson, Sierra Vista, and Yuma. About half of them have been moved into HUD housing by the VA. Because the homeless veterans who remain on the streets will be the primary recipients of the food, the VA asks that the canned food products have pull tops, but they will accept canned goods that require a can opener for those in housing.
On their list for desired items are Vienna sausages, canned fruit, canned soups, tuna packets, peanut butter, crackers, beef jerky, chili, shredded tuna, canned chicken and Spam, oatmeal in a cup, Ramen noodles in a cup, dried fruit, nuts, cheese and cracker packets, and granola bars. No expired foods, please.
Non-food items needed include toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, disposable cups, plates and utensils, trash bags, and cleaning products.
Checks to support the project should be made payable to MOAA S&MA Fund, with “Homeless Veterans” written in the memo line, and mailed to:
MOAA Green Valley
P.O. Box 1535
Green Valley AZ 85622-1535
The Chapter will purchase additional food items with all monetary donations.