Caring Enough to Make a Difference

John Ulrich and his wife Mid are avid yard sale shoppers. They are also volunteers with Stand Down of South Jersey and familiar with Veterans Haven. John was sure that some people would be willing to donate yard sale items to Veterans Haven, if they only knew about the program.

Veterans’ Haven is the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs transitional housing program for homeless veterans. In operation since January 1995, Veterans’ Haven has been a temporary home to more than 180 veterans. The normal stay is six to 24 months while the veteran prepares himself to return to independent living. The program, currently, has 50 residents many of whom are working full-time or going to school.

After a meeting with Paul Sutton, chief of Homeless Services, to discuss the must pressing needs and armed with a donation letter from Veterans Haven, John and Mid hit the yard sales.

In addition to picking up donated items, Mid assembled household starter kits (pots, pans, dishes, cups, glasses, utensils, silverware, and small appliances like toasters and coffee makers) for residents leaving the Haven to set up house keeping on their own. John has also donated hundreds of hours doing minor furniture and appliance repair and cleaning. So far the Ulrichs have delivered 12 truck loads of donations.

“We have give out three of Mid’s starter kit to graduating residents,” said Denny Barger, assistant superintendent, Veterans Haven. “Each of them was so grateful and appreciative.” Buying those items even at thrift shops can be financially taxing. If you would like to help these formerly homeless veterans once again become a productive part of society, call Denny Barger at 609- 561-0269 extension 106.

Wish List

Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, disposable razors, non-alcohol mouthwash, women’s hygiene products, manicure kits, shower shoes.

Sewing kits, cleaning supplies, laundry soap, fabric softener, bleach, batteries (AA/AAA), light bulbs (60/75 watt) and shower curtains.

Men’s shoes (sizes 8-12), dress shirt/pants, backpacks and book bags, men’s socks, Tshirts, sweat pants and shirts, bathrobes, scarves and gloves, and umbrellas.

Dictionaries, Thesauruses, pencils, pens, notepads, current reference books, college or G.E.D. reference books, envelopes and stamps. Towels, washcloths, pillows, twin size sheets (especially fitted) and blankets

Dressers, stuffed chairs, coffee and end tables. Board games, VCR tapes, and model airplanes, cars, boats, etc.

Irons and ironing boards, area rugs (9’x12’ max.), oscillating fans, televisions, VCRs, computers (486 or newer) and printers, small vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners (8,000 BTU max.)

Silverware, coffee cups, instant coffee and tea bags, salt and pepper shakers, dishes and cooking utensils.