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05/25/2017 05:24 PMMay 25, 2017: In partnership with the Veterans' Affairs Committee, the Branford legislative delegation and Selectman's Office are coordinating a local drive to help homeless veterans. Donations will be accepted on the Town Green and along the parade route at the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29 to benefit the Veteran Service Centers at the South Park Inn and Homes for the Brave.
"Connecticut has made great strides in ending veteran homelessness, and the organizations that help veterans find long-term housing need our continued support," said Branford State Rep. Lonnie Reed (D, District 102). "I encourage everyone to give what they can to help veterans who are going through a difficult time."
"Connecticut proudly became the second state to end chronic homelessness for veterans in 2015 but there are still veterans throughout Connecticut who need our help," said Branford Rep. Sean Scanlon (D- District 98). "I hope Branford residents will join me on Monday by supporting this important drive and our veterans.
"Our veterans stood up for us when our country needed them, and now we need to stand up for them in their time of need," said State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D, District 12) "I plan on making a donation to the drive, and hope that many other Branford residents will do the same. I can think of no better way to celebrate Memorial Day."
Items needed include, but are not limited to: Health care and personal hygiene products; socks, t-shirts, hats, boots, gloves, umbrellas and gift cards.
A van will be parked on the Town Green to accept donations, beginning an hour before the parade and up to an hour after the parade's finish. A truck will also be in the parade to accept donations along the route.
On May 31, the donations will be brought to the State Capitol to fill a Humvee, and then turned over to the Veterans Service Centers for the South Park Inn and Homes for the Brave for distribution to veterans.