Last week, Megan Pacella loaded her car full of donated coats, hats, gloves and scarves, and drove to the site of the Operation Stand Down event, where a group of grateful volunteers and homeless veterans were awaiting her arrival. Thanks to the generosity of Hammock folks and our friends, we were able to donate about 20 coats and countless scarves, hats and pairs of gloves to this charitable event, which connected about 400 homeless vets to medical care, pensions, Social Security and other benefits in hopes of helping them get off the streets.
In addition to receiving warm winter clothing, Operation Stand Down gave each veteran a toiletry kit, clean socks, reading material and access to a few hot, hearty meals. Although the economic downturn has left some of us in a panic, it's important to remember that many those who fought to protect the American dream -- the right to enough food, housing and healthcare for everyone -- need our help. As the weather turns colder and credit markets tighten, let's not forget to give back to those who have given so freely to each of us. For more information on helping homeless veterans, visit www.osdnashville.org.
Up next: Hammock takes on the Austin, Texas, Empty Bowl Project to feed the hungry. Stay tuned!
