Volunteers & Donations needed to help Bay Area Homeless Veterans –

Caring citizens are invited to join in giving a “hand up” to our less fortunate men and women who have served honorably in military service.  Over 450 homeless Veterans will receive needed items, services and information over a four-day period, including dental, medical, legal, Veterans Administration, addiction programs, showers, haircut, massage, new clothing, shoes, and food.  They are honored and treated with respect.  Their pets are also cleaned and cared for at a local animal shelter.

More than 1,000 volunteers with various skills and abilities are needed to support the operation of a “tent city” at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton from Thursday, September 13 through noon Sunday, September 16.  All volunteers MUST register by August 31 at http://www.eastbaystanddown.org/volreg/Volunteer.php.

Volunteer jobs include preparing and serving meals, cleaning up after meals, escorting Veterans to appointments, and many other support functions.   There is something to fill most everyone’s interest, including help with camp set-up 8:30am to dark Monday, September 10 to12.  Camp take down is 12pm to dark, September 16-19.

According to Jerry Yahiro, Director of the Stand Down, volunteers are the lifeblood of this program.  “Many of our volunteers come back year after year,” he said.  “There is a great sense of accomplishment, camaraderie, and team spirit among those who work the event.”   For anyone wanting to know more about the event and meet the organizers, there is a public meeting at Veterans Memorial Bldg, 400 Hartz Ave, Danville, on Tuesday, August 21 at 6 pm.  All are welcome.

Financial assistance is also greatly needed to support this huge endeavor and make a difference in the lives of so many Veterans who gave so much of themselves for our Country.  Individuals, Community Groups, and Corporations can help through the website http://eastbaystanddown.org/how_you_can_help.html  or checks may be sent to Diablo Valley Veterans Foundation-EBSD, PO Box 2133, Danville CA  94526.

Financial donations to the Diablo Valley Veterans Foundation-EBSD (DVVF) are tax-deductible.  The DVVF is a non-profit corporation, IRS tax identification 26-3198472.