WESTFIELD – Helping those who serve this country is an easy way to give back, said Stanley Park Executive Director Robert McKean.
The park is hosting an opportunity to do just that May 2 with its third annual Furniture and Donation Drive for the Homeward Vets organization.
The drive is co-sponsored by the Westfield-West Springfield Lodge of Elks.
“It’s a way to say thank you to veterans and pay them back for what they gave,” McKean said. “Some of them are in really hard times.”
The drive takes place May 2 from 8a.m. to 12 noon at Stanley Park of Westfield, 400 Western, Ave. In the Asian Garden parking lot on Margaret Lane across from the Veterans’ Memorial at Stanley Park
Homeward Vets is an organization seeking to collect small kitchen items and furniture for veterans transitioning from homelessness and setting up their permanent homes.
They are looking for dinnerware, pots and pans, drinking glasses, small appliances such as toasters, microwaves, toaster ovens and coffee makers, mixers, blenders, end tables, night stands, coffee tables, couches (in very good condition), chairs/recliners, lamps, bookshelves, unopened cleaning supplies, brooms, mops, and dishwashing materials and new towels
For large furniture donations, the organization would like them brought directly to the warehouse at 166 First Ave., Ludlow.
“They need everything to set up a home,” McKean said. “And, most of us have things around the house we don’t use. Something that’s old for us is new for them.”
Cash donations will also be accepted and will be used to purchase gift cards or food for new move-ins. If you can’t make it to the event you can donate online.
