Suggested grocery items (photo by Peggy McGee)
Peggy McGee
As we approach Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the Green Valley Chapter, Military Officers Association is gearing up for its second annual contactless non-perishable foods and groceries drive to support homeless veterans. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. All donations will be delivered to the VA Hospital on Nov. 10, just in time for the holiday.
There are about 400 homeless veterans still living on the streets of Tucson. In addition to the homeless veterans without shelter in the Tucson area, there are about 1,500 others in the Southern Arizona area. 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 crackers packs, 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.
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.
Checks to support the project should be made payable to MOAA S&MA Fund, with “Homeless Veterans” 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.