New projects underway at veterans service office

The Kimball County Veterans Service Office is busy with three new initiatives.

The first is the Stuff-A-Shirt program, which is designed to give the homeless and transients a clean shirt and other hygiene items. Sheana Hendrickson, KCVSO administrative assistant, said the program was first discussed a few weeks ago when Chad Werner of SW-WRAP (Southwestern Wyoming Recovery Access Programs) was in town helping with veterans issues, However, it was when Hendrickson was researching how to implement the program that it became a reality.

“We had a veteran over at the library and I was off of work, and he was homeless. He didn’t have anywhere to go and that motel up there is the only one that will work with the sheriff’s office in getting them places to stay, but they were booked. So I had to bring him into the office and got him a bottle of water and he was all grungy looking and stuff,” she said. “A few weeks earlier than that, Andy (Bremer) and Sean (Evertson) and I were talking and Andy thought it would be nice to have them a change of clothes, new hygiene items. I started looking for cool things on the internet and I came across this thing called Stuff-A-Shirt. Anyone can do it, so I would like to see it started in this community.”

To participate, simply buy a shirt, lay it flat and put the hygiene items in the middle. Hygiene items could include shampoo, conditioner, soap, mouth wash and more. Hendrickson said those who want to are also encouraged to include a positive note in the middle. After the items are place, wrap or tie the shirt together. Bins are available to place the Stuff-A-Shirt shirts at the Kimball Library, Main Street Market and the Veterans Service Office in the county courthouse.

“This program isn’t only for the veterans. It can be for the homeless, the hitchhikers, too,” Hendrickson said. “We’re working with the sheriff’s department on that end.”

Volunteers are also being sought for a new Veterans Volunteer Committee. Hendrickson said things they hope to do include help veterans and the community and send care packages to troops serving overseas.

“Right now we’re just working on getting some new members,” she said. “It’s just volunteers that feel like they want to spend their time helping our veterans or not even veterans, just local community members.”

The committee can be made up of both veterans and non-veterans, Hendrickson said.

One thing the KCVSO has planned to get things rolling is a “Support your local veterans barbecue/potluck” at 6 p.m. on July 23 at Gotte Park. The KCVSO will supply the hamburgers and hot dogs, but asks that those who attend bring a side dish, dessert or beverage. There is no cost, but free will donations will be accepted. Those who plan to attend must RSVP to Hendrickson by calling 308-235-3141 by July 16.

Hendrickson said the barbecue is planned to allow the community to show support for veterans, and also for the KCVSO and volunteer committee to show support for the community. Both veterans and non-veterans are invited to attend.

There will also be a raffle for a $100 Visa gift card. Tickets are one for $3 or two for $5. The winner will be announced at the barbecue, and the winner does not have to be present to win. Tickets will be for sale at the event, or may be purchased in advance at the veterans service office in the courthouse or by calling Hendrickson at 308-249-4852.