American Legion collects donations for Vets Exiting Homelessness

The Palatine American Legion Post 690 has renewed its collection of household items for veterans who are exiting homelessness as part of a program for Military Outreach USA from now through November 16th at a new location the Palatine Township offices at 721 S. Quentin Road in Palatine.

The Township will be accepting donations during regular office hours at the South entrance to the building. Office hours are Monday 8:30 AM until 7:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM until Noon. “I want to stress,” said Eileen McKevitt, program coordinator, “that this year because of the virus everything donated has to be new. We cannot accept used items.”

The veterans who are supported in this program are moving into their first apartment or home after being homeless. Typically, these veterans will move into an empty space so they will need everything from kitchen items and cleaning supplies to linens and toiletries. The Legion will be collecting new personal hygiene items, everything for the bathroom and miscellaneous items such as smoke detectors, light bulbs as well as laundry baskets and detergent.

Military Outreach USA has a formal partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs so that they and their partners can work closely with every VA medical facility to ensure Veterans at the local level are being served. Their partners at the community level–houses of worship, businesses, civic groups, schools and individuals–utilize the resources and tools they provide to help meet the needs of Veterans at the local level.

The American Legion Family consists of the American Legion, the Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.) and Legion Auxiliary. The American Legion and Legion Auxiliary began in 1919 while the S.A.L. was created in 1932 as patriotic veterans organizations devoted to mutual helpfulness. These organizations are committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.

For further information on the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion, any of their sponsored events or for membership write to the American Legion, 122 West Palatine Road, Palatine, IL 60067, call them at 847-359-1606, email them at clubadmin@alpost690.us or visit www.alpost690.us.