Donations sought for homeless veterans
PacificSource Health Plans and Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO) are inviting community members from Monday, Oct. 31, through Thursday, Nov. 3, to “Fill the Trailer” with crucial winter supplies for homeless veterans.
The organizations are working to fill COVO’s new 14-foot cargo trailer with donations of 1-pound cans of propane, nonperishable food items, sleeping bags, cold-weather camping gear, and other similar necessities. Fill the Trailer donations will be collected from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day at PacificSource’s Bend office at 2965 NE Conners Avenue.
The Fill the Trailer drive culminates with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and barbecue held from 4-6 p.m. on Nov. 3, with representatives from COVO, PacificSource, and the Bend Chamber of Commerce on hand for dedication of the new trailer that COVO was able to purchase through funding donated by PacificSource.
“Central Oregon winters can be harsh and unforgiving, particularly for homeless veterans who do not have a roof over their head,” said J.W. Terry, executive director at COVO. “Veterans who live outside are often unable to acquire vital resources to survive the cold of winter, and getting to COVO’s Bend Outreach Center can be a struggle for some. This trailer has allowed COVO to better meet their needs where they actually live.”
Founded in 2005, COVO is a veterans advocacy group with a particular focus on getting homeless and at-risk veterans off the streets. The nonprofit was chosen by employees of PacificSource’s Bend office to be its 2016 Charity of Choice. As part of the program, PacificSource pledged $10,000 to COVO. Additionally, PacificSource’s Bend employees have raised another $2,740
“It is important for PacificSource to not only raise funds for Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, but to bring attention to COVO’s critical mission of advocating for Central Oregonians who have served our country,” said Chelsie Carter, PacificSource’s health services team lead and chair of the Bend Charity of Choice program.
Fill the Trailer is part of COVO’s Operation Warm, Fed and Dry campaign to help veterans manage through the winter. Donations are also accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at COVO’s Bend office at 61510 S. Hwy 97. For more information visit covo-us.org/.
