The Ms. Senior Cumberland County organization raising money for homeless and needy veterans.
Ms. Senior Cumberland County Representative Connie Clapper said veteran homelessness is a growing need in Cumberland County. Clapper said the money raised will go toward meal boxes that will be distributed to the veterans. Clapper said the fundraiser is a way to show gratitude.
“We thank them for their service and what they put in to maintain our country,” Clapper said. “And go through the challenges that they have coming home. And just, it’s a thank you for them just to give them a lift.”
The goal for this year’s fundraiser is $20,000, which is enough to provide 150 boxes of food. Donations add up, as just $3 is enough to provide one meal. A $50 donation can provide 16 meals, and a $150 donation covers 50 meals. The organization would like to provide 150 boxes by Veterans Day.
Clapper said the organization distributes boxes based on a list from local veteran agencies. Clapper said knowledge of the program has caused the list to grow longer.
Donations of cash or check can be made at Crossville First Methodist Church. There will also be chances to donate at some upcoming community events.
Clapper said this year, there have some big changes to the fundraiser. Moving forward, only monetary donations will be accepted instead of canned goods or non-perishable items. Clapper said this change was made because the organization no longer has access to their storage facility.
“What we will do is we will purchase the food,” Clapper said. “And it is select food that fills the box, about 45 pounds to 50 pounds each, and we will go shopping with the money that we get, and bring it to a place, box it all up.”
After the boxes are packed, they will go to the Cumberland County Veteran Assistance program to be given out. Clapper said the Veterans council has the list of recipients, and the boxed are handed out based on needs.
Clapper said boxes will have a wide variety of nutritious foods. Clapper said there will be no junk food, just quality items of substance.
“It’s anywhere from your vegetables, your fruit, your beans, getting into your meat,” Clapper said. “And it’ll have some pastas and pasta sauces to make a complete meal. These boxes will be more than one meal. They will be on the shelf and be used.”
