The Veteran's Essential Needs project was initiated by VVA Chapter 126 in conjunction with the Manhattan VA hospital.

At a joint meeting with the hospital Volunteer Services Administrator, the nursing department and social service department, a plan was established to set up a store on site for veterans in need of clothing at the time of discharge from the hospital or from homeless outpatient services. The nursing and social service departments make recommendations for which veterans are eligible for clothing.

A small room was provided, initially for stock and merchandise began to arrive. Under the leadership of Fred Gasior, President of the VVA Chapter 126, donations began to arrive from private companies and individuals. All items of clothing were new..

Once the clothing arrived, VVA 126 volunteers Fred Massa, his wife, Alice, and Monica Lacassagne began to inventory, sort, label, and shelve the items. Items consisted of winter outer clothing, shoes, underwear, sweatsuits, and socks, 26 different categories of items in all.

By February, items began being distributed. A request from the nursing unit would be brought to the store, and hospital volunteers would fill those requests according to the needs of the individual veteran. A form would be filled out for inventory and left in the store.

Things began to move quickly, and many more items were donated. The room became too small to stock all of the supplies that were donated. Therefore, a larger room was designated, more shelves were added, and the shelves restocked so that all the supplies could be at hand.

In the winter months, over 50 veterans received warm clothing, shoes, winter coats, socks, and underwear. A donation was also made of rolling walkers to be provided to those veterans in need of support while moving around the community.

This is an ongoing program, and as more donations come in, more veterans will receive the benefit of appropriate clothing.

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You can help us my donating clothing or donating to our store fund for needed clothing and sundry purchases.

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For clothing or other essential items donations email Fred Gasior at chapter126nyc@gmail.com or Fred and Allice Massa at alfredme@aol.com.

At this time, we are in disparate need of summer clothing

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To make a funding donation used to purchase needed items click on the button below.