Thank-A-Vet Day - Margie Erikson

Kathy Williams introduced today’s speaker but began by saying how excited she is that WLEN Radio and a number of other organizations from around the county will once again host a major Veterans event next Tuesday, November 11 – Thank-A-Vet Day. Contributions go to The Veterans Dire Need Fund administered through Housing Help of Lenawee. It will mark the 9^th annual! WLEN personalities will be out front of their station from 6am-6pm next Thursday collecting donations for this wonderful cause. Last year the event raised $20,000 and every penny goes to local veterans. Donors will have an opportunity to join the Happy 100 Club by donating $100 and TLC, Kathy said, has agreed to a 50% match for everyone who joins. Last year TLC contributed $3,000!

 

Margie Erikson spoke to the club about what Housing Help of Lenawee does and who the beneficiaries are. While the agency’s focus is on homelessness, they are very involved in the Veterans Dire Fund event. Margie said that and need that is “dire” will be addressed. Donors can give to a memorial fund in honor of a deceased veteran for example. Another need might simply be information about the various veteran benefits they are eligible for and insuring that they receive them. Should a veteran ask for assistance with partial payment for their housing expenses. Margie cited an example of a female veteran who was pregnant was in need of a bed the cost of which came from the Dire Needs Fund. Should they need to pay for temporary transportation, the Veterans Dire Need Fund can be used for that. Margie emphasized that her organization exists to insure that no veteran falls through the cracks. The photo at left was taken during last year’s drive.

 

Mary Murray wanted everyone to know that at EZ Car Wash which, of course, is part of the Image Center free car washes on Veteran’s Day will be offered to all vets from 9am-5pm that day!