Oklahoma City VA recently accepted donations of shoes, boots, jackets, sweaters, pants, socks and hygiene items from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, 10-3 Chapter, in Lawton.

“The holidays can be a particularly difficult time,” said Melissa Overfield, chief of Volunteer Services. “These items will be especially useful for our Veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. We truly value community partners like CVMA 10-3 and appreciate their support and generosity.

Veterans Motorcycle Association donated more than $6,000 worth of clothing and hygiene items.

“There are many ways to show your support for Veterans during the holiday season, whether you are a Veteran, the family of a Veteran, or simply a thankful citizen looking to help someone who has given up much of their life to protect our country.”

“Our motto is ‘Vets helping Vets,’” said Stuart ‘Hagar’ Hartvikson, an Army Veteran and the CVMA 10-3 chapter commander. “We know about the need of the Veterans at the Oklahoma City VA and surrounding area. In 2018, we were able to get boots, other clothing, as well as blankets. This year, we expanded to other needed items.”

Donations to the Oklahoma City VA had decreased in the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

List of items needed

“The people in town have been very open to giving, especially with how cold it has been,” Hartvikson said. “They really turned out for our donation drive.” He praised the kindness of the community and the motorcycle association members.

VA is authorized to accept donations or gifts for the benefit of patients. All donated items should be new and not pre-owned or used. Contact a local VA facility to see what Veterans need.

Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-424-3838) for immediate assistance.

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