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Donations being accepted for Veterans Stand Down

Daily News - 1/4/2019

Jan. 04--As preparations are made for an annual event to help homeless veterans, community members are invited to donate items to help meet some of their basic needs.

A donation drive for the 9th annual Veteran Community Homeless & Resource Stand Down continues through Jan. 25 and all items received help make the event possible, said Gerry Cruz, veterans career advisor for NCWorks Career Center.

"Any little bit we receive helps and goes right back out to the community," Cruz said.

The NCWorks Career Center will hold this year's event on Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post 265 building, located at 146 Broadhurst Road in Jacksonville.

Organizations will be on hand to help with housing, employment, and information on other veteran-related resources. There will also be services such as medical screenings and free haircuts.

Nichole Mason, Disabled Veterans Outreach program specialist with Onslow County's NCWorks Career Center, is working to spread the word about the donation drive and serves as point of contact for anyone with questions or wanting to help.

"We're anticipating about 150 veterans showing up for services," Mason said.

Mason said the event is focused on helping homeless and indigent veterans and their families but they won't turn anyone away if they need help.

Supplies will be provided to participants and donations are needed, such as non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items, disposable razors, hand towels, wash cloths, disposable wipes, gallon- and quart-size freezer bags, and large bags or backpacks for carrying items. Particularly needed are clothing and gear appropriate for living outdoors in harsh weather conditions, such as sleeping bags, rain gear, wind breakers, wool socks, plastic tarps, blankets, gloves and hats.

All items should be new or gently used.

Due to damage to their office during Hurricane Florence, the NCWorks Career Center is temporarily operating at the Salvation Army site. Donations should be dropped off at 535 Bell Fork Road in Jacksonville.

For more information contact Mason at nichole.mason@nccommerce.com or call 910-347-2121.

Reporter Jannette Pippin can be reached at 910-382-2557 or Jannette.Pippin@JDNews.com.

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