Since its beginnings, the American Red Cross has been committed to serving both publish and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Last month, the local Red Cross demonstrated this commitment by teaming up with Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber in the Totes of Hope initiative, collecting personal care items to assist homeless and underserved veterans in the local community.
On Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. at Windber Medical Center (600 Somerset Avenue in Windber), the American Red Cross Keystone Chapter and Windber Medical Center will be taking these collected items and packing up totes to prepare them for distribution to veterans-in-need. Congressman Mark Critz will also be present that day to assist in the effort.
“I am thrilled and proud to join the American Red Cross and Windber Medical Center in helping our veterans,” said Critz. “These brave souls fought for our freedoms, and now far too many face difficult situations. No veteran should be homeless or hungry ever.”
Over the past few weeks, the two groups have collected enough items to put together approximately 50 totes. The totes will be packed with various personal care items including: small notebook/pen, blanket, rain poncho, first aid kit, water bottle, flashlight with batteries, toothbrush/toothpaste, hand sanitizer, socks, underwear, T-shirts, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, dental floss, sewing kit, deck of cards, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, anti-bacterial ointment, nail clippers and combs/brushes.
For more information on this project, contact the local Red Cross office at 814-262-3170 or Windber Medical Center at 814-467-3705.