Elks Assemble 200 Backpacks for Homeless Veterans
Elks members from across NJ recently gathered at the NJ Elks Veterans Annex in Stirling to assemble 200 backpacks which will be distributed to homeless veterans at Stand Down events in Newark, Atlantic City, and other locations throughout the state. These backpacks help to provide comfort to homeless veterans, offering them a sense of support and care during challenging times.
The backpacks contain clothing, food, personal hygiene, and other care items, including many of the 4,000 pairs of socks and undergarments that were collected and donated to the Elks through the Middlesex Borough Police sock drive for New Jersey veterans.
The NJ Elks Veterans Annex also serves as a warehouse for Welcome Home kits consisting of furniture and other household items that a formerly homeless veteran would need when moving into their new housing. It is featured in the Youtube video “Givers of Hope”.
Elks pledge “So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them.” Every night, as many as 40,000 veterans sleep on the streets. In partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Elks National Veterans Service Commission has pledged to help end veteran homelessness and ensure that all veterans have the safe, stable homes they deserve.
Please email njelksnvsc@gmail.com to learn more about what NJ State Elks are doing to help veterans and visit Elks.org for more information about the Elks, including how to become a member.
