Getting ready for the Holidays. Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Everyone thinks more about helping our military and veteran families this time of year as well as giving thanks and appreciation to our veterans. Here some ways you can be involved, plus someitems you might want to share with others.
From Andy Jackson, NCNG Transition Assistance Advisor: Anational/local organizationwants to provide a full Thanksgiving meal to 35 local (within 50 miles of Raleigh) Vets/military in need or disabled and their families. They wanthelp locating the vets who would benefit. They wantto insure it’s for needy vets.We can screen them, and if any of you that can, they may need help to deliver them as well. I prefer not to promise these families yet till a it’s done deal and everything is set. Right now just be thinking of any you know who need this help.Keep in mind the person/s receiving this aid will also need facilities, i.e. kitchen, etc, as it will need to be prepared. I can maintain a list of names you recommend and be your poc for this project.
If you know of a vet who can use a Thanksgiving meal, contact AndrewJackson at919-664-6573 or919-810-6412.
Please let MVRC know of any active duty, Guard or Reserve families you know that can benefit from a holiday meal too because there are other organizations out this time of year looking for families to provide a meal.
American Legion Post 1 isnow taking in good used furniture for (NEEDY) vets or military personnel and their families. Only requestisthe recipient, if at all possible, join the legion post most convenient to them.
They just took in a nice reclining couch, matching loveseat and matching chair with ottoman.Also have one full bed with headboard, foot board, box spring and mattress,two twin size beds with head & foot boards and box springs and mattresses, and other furniture. The recipient will need to find a truck and help to come get them.
Call J W Gordon at 270-2866 or George at 872-1399 to check on availability of the furniture if you have someone in need, or want to donate GOOD furniture.
Support an Army vet with breast cancer. On Tuesdays at the McCuller's Crossing Jersey Mike's, 15% of all sales are donated to help a local Wake countyArmy veteran with breast cancer & 5 children. On a really busy Tuesday, they will donate 25% instead of 15%. On Sunday Nov 6, a minimum $1 donation to benefit this veteran will get you a free regular sandwich. Feel free to donate more.Jersey Mike's, 7949 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC Intersection of 1010 & Fayetteville Road, in shopping center next toDollar General.
Another reminder: North Carolina Guard/Reserve is supporting a new effort to increase the availability of quality child care for military families in targeted counties. The target counties are Harnett, Wake, Forsyth, Guilford, Jones, Carteret, and Buncombe.They are looking for military spouses interested in becoming licensed Family Child Care Providers and other people in the community willing to help military families with child care.
The “Getting Started” in child care classes will be held in Morehead City (Nov 7), Lillington (Nov 8), Greensboro (Nov 9), and Asheville (10 Nov) from 9:00-2:30. The cost of the course will be $10 and includes lunch and all materials. Participants in targeted communities will be able to receive a sponsorship. CEU credits from North Carolina State University for an additional $8 fee. The course covers points to consider before opening a family child care home. Participants must preregister by going tohttp://extension.psu.edu/cyttap.
VA has the resources to prevent Vet homelessness. But they need your help to identify Vets at risk. Find out how: http://www.va.gov/homeless/.
Nominations have opened for the 2012 MSOY for all 5 branches. Help find the next wave of leaders & advocates for the military spouse community.The award is based on volunteerism, impact on community, personal sacrifice, and education. Frankly we think Bianca should carry over her 2011 MSOY to 2012 but the rules say it has to be someone else. Anyone can nominate someone. Here is the link: http://msoy.milspouse.com/
Post Veterans Day Hunger can easily be fixed! Tribeca Tavern, 6004 Falls of Neuse, Raleigh. Monday November 14. Buy dinner and 10% will go to the MVRC emergency fund! Minnesota vs. Green Bay on Monday Night Football. Bring your cheesehead hat to watch the game, buy a beer or two, eat a bunch of great food and help needy vets, all at the same time! Come around 6 or so and join us in the Cave room.They have a very budget-conscious meal, so bring your family for dinner.
Randy Marsh
Chair
Military and Veterans Resource Coalition
919-267-3690 ext 3
MVRC on Facebook
MVRC is a committee of the COPE Foundation, a NC 501(c)(3)