Bath VA serves those who served in 'Homeless Veterans Stand Down' event
Today the Bath veterans affairs held a stand down event in Horseheads to donate supplies to homeless veterans. The annual event is typically held indoors but had to adapt to a drive through this year under new COVID regulations.
Outreach Social Worker for the Bath Veterans Affairs Homeless Program Amber Watson shared that even though they had to work outside, they had an incredibly busy day. "We provide surplus military items the Food Bank of the Southern Tier r is here to give out food staple boxes," she said.
These donations come along side a long list of other supplies from community providers. One volunteer explained the bags had everything from blankets, to face masks, to books, and cookies.
Many of the volunteers, (some veterans themselves,) were happy to contribute however they could as they kept their values of veterans helping veterans in mind.
Meanwhile the veterans that came through the drive through were grateful to pick up necessities and see some familiar faces.
"It's a good thing to be able to see the older veterans along with us new guys," shared Curtis Harris who currently serves in the Army reserves.
The event ran from 11am through 1pm today and was able to serve nearly 100 veterans. Organizers now look forward to next year where they can hopefully be back inside, and back together again.