NATICK, Mass. (Dec. 17, 2014) -- Veteran homelessness has declined by 33 percent since 2009, but there is still a long way to go.
For the second consecutive holiday season, Sarah Ross, a Human Research Volunteer program coordinator with the Natick Soldier Systems Center, held a clothing drive for homeless veterans.
"I think it's great because people are finding me at work, during the year, and saying, 'Oh, when's that next clothing drive?'" said Ross. "It's already on their minds."
Ross stated that her objective is for the clothing drive to become a staple for the workforce here.
"My goal is for veterans in need to get what they need," Ross said.
Last fall's clothing drive, which came the week after Thanksgiving, was held for only five business days with four bins placed around the installation. That drive garnered 800 pounds of clothing, and the spring 2014 drive brought in nearly 2,000 pounds of clothing and items.
"I am humbled by how much people have been receptive to this clothing drive. When I put these bins out originally, I didn't know if I was going to get anything," Ross recalled of the first clothing drive. "I didn't know how it was going to go."
During the current drive, Ross collected more than 1,800 pounds of clothes and hygiene products. On Dec. 17, Ross and a few volunteers delivered the items to Veterans Inc. in Worcester.
"Everyone has a busy schedule, everyone has their families, everyone still has stuff to do," Ross said, "but they still found the time and cared enough to clean out their closets and went and purchased stuff."
"Veterans Inc. is deeply appreciative of all of the efforts of Natick Soldier Systems Center and its staff," said Jason Palitsch, a government and public affairs specialist with the organization. "We were truly stunned and amazed by the sheer volume of clothing we received as a direct result of their generosity. Hundreds of our brave men and women who have served our country, and are in need today, will benefit from the hard work and compassion of NSSC."
Ross, who was an Army medic, said that although people may take off the uniform after serving, they are still a part of our military community.
"Putting a sweatshirt or a pair of jeans or a coat on a homeless veteran on the street who has nowhere to go isn't going to fix the problem," Ross said, "but it's somewhere to start.
"I will continue to do this as long as I'm allowed to here and until the bins are empty, and even then, I don't know if that will stop me."
Ross said she is extra proud to be among people who want to help. She expects the next clothing drive to take place in May 2015.
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