Twenty backpacks donated to local veterans in need
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LOCK HAVEN -- Local veterans in need received a generous backpack donation recently.
Local non-profit, the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC), partnered with the Order of the Eastern Star and donated 20, 40-liter sized, backpacks to local veterans in need. Fifteen male-oriented backpacks and five women-oriented backpacks were donated. They included toiletries, clothing items, water bottles, a first-aid kit, a blanket, a puzzle book and much more. Veterans can qualify to receive a backpack through the non-profit organization if they meet the guidelines.
According to VMC administrator, Dustin Kinley, clients that come into the VMC, and qualifies for their program -- income guidelines, homelessness guidelines as well as the discharge status in the military -- are able to get into it.
"They (veteran) would work closely with a case manager, one-on-one, to help get them stabilized," Kinley said.
Once a veteran is a part of theVMC's program, case managers will help them get into a shelter, or into a hotel, if a shelter is not available. The non-profit, according to Kinley, will help them get stabilized. This includes placement in an apartment, assistance with a security deposit, future rent as well as other necessary items and utilities. Once those steps are in place, backpacks are handed out.
"That is when the VMC implements the backpacks," Kinley said. "We hand them a backpack which has a ton of great necessities… We make sure they get a backpack and that backpack gives them everything they need to keep warm -- extra clothing, little things to do."
All items in the backpacks are purchased through the use of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant the non-profit receives.
After that, the VMC will slowly back off with assistance as veterans work up to be self-sustainable, according to Kinley.
The backpacks are supplied by the Order of the Eastern Star, a Masonic appendant body. The backpack donation was started by two women veterans four years ago before Debra Buckman, the chair of the committee, and Esther Gardner, the assistant chair, took it over.
"We put together the backpacks for the donations. The chapters buy the backpacks and then all of our members help donate all of the stuff that goes into it," Buckman said.
The donations through the local Order of the Eastern Star and VMC covers Clinton, Lycoming and surrounding counties.
The VMC originally began in 1980 in Philadelphia. According to Kinley, it was started by a group of Vietnam veterans.
"A bunch of Vietnam Vets built a memorial along the river there and they came together and were like 'hey this should never happen as long as these other veterans are homeless,'" he explained.
The organization grew from there, starting in Philadelphia and branched off into Central Pennsylvania seven years ago. For the past three years, the non-profit has been growing rapidly with the same strong mission in mind.
"Our mission statement is 'serve those who have served.' Our main goal is to end the homelessness of veterans," Kinley said.
All members of the VMC are veterans themselves, or have family members who are serving and have served in the armed forces.
If you are or know of anyone who is a veteran or is a veteran at risk of eviction, homelessness or is homeless, call the Clinton County VMC at 844-226-0368. Callers may also dial the 211 service and get help with direction to a caseworker through the non-profit.
For more information on the VMC and how they help veterans, visit www.vmcenter.org.