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Warm Coats and New Socks: A Welcome Gift for Homeless Veterans

By Kellie Burdette Mendonca, Public Affairs Specialist

Friday, December 9, 2011

Twelve years ago it was a cold winter! Many homeless Veterans were shivering outside, not wearing warm clothing. We had to do something.

Voluntary Service took action and started SFVAMC’s annual “Winter Coat and Warm Socks Drive” to help our homeless Veterans in need.  New or gently-used winter coats and new socks are brought to Voluntary Service (Bldg. 7, Room 120) for collection. Each week they are shuttled to our Downtown Clinic (3rd and Harrison Streets) and distributed to homeless Veterans who use the clinic.

“We provide an acknowledgement letter for every donation,” said Owetdia Dupree, Chief, Voluntary Service. “We’re very proud of this event. It’s a tradition now. Every year, thanks to the compassion and generosity of our staff, family, and local community, we are able to collect around 100 coats and over 300 pairs of socks to present to our homeless Veterans.”

“This year’s drive starts Monday, December 12 and runs through December 20,” said James McDermott, Assistant Chief, Voluntary Service.  “You can greatly help our Veterans in need by donating coats, winter socks, and any warm clothing, to our Voluntary Service office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

For more information about the winter coat drive call Voluntary Service at (415) 750-2144.

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