Chicago District Help a Vet Matching Funds

The Anna Hurban Chicago District invited its branches and members to “Help a Veteran” through a virtual matching funds event held in March and April. The virtual event was centered around helping veterans at the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton, IL and at the Veterans Administration’s Program for homeless veterans at the VA in Hines, IL.

Branches and members were encouraged to donate a variety of household and personal care items for the vets at these organizations. Hundreds of flyers were printed and given to each of the 13 active branches for mailing to their members. In addition, the event was posted on the District Facebook page, “FCSLA Chicago.”

Donors arranged for a “porch pickup” for their items, and volunteer members picked up, sorted and packaged the items for delivery to the Vets’ organizations.  Six large boxes of a variety of items were collected. Cash donations were also encouraged, and generous members and branches donated over $900 in cash. Many thanks to the FCSLA National Matching Funds Program for donating an additional $600 to these Veteran’s programs.

Additionally, gift cards to McDonalds, Wendy’s and VA Commissary coupons were also included in the donations.

All donors to this event, whether donating cash or items were entered into a basket raffle (basket donated by Branch S421). One lucky winner was drawn when the donations were dropped off by Lauren Ogle, the Manager of Affordable and Transitional Housing at MSHV. Barbara Mugavero, Branch S248, received the prize. All items and cash donations were delivered in June to the MSHV in Wheaton, ILand Hines VA, Hines, IL.

Thank you to all the Chicago District branches, members, and the FCSLA National Matching Funds Program for their donations to the veterans, and for participating in this very successful event.