When a young boy named Grayson learned that Tampa Bay’s homeless veterans struggled to stay warm through the winter months, he jumped into action to help Operation: Veteran Connect collect winter clothing for our annual Warmth for the Winter Campaign. Grayson created an Amazon Wishlist where people could donate items online, and he designed his own flyer to share with friends and family to raise awareness.
Operation: Veteran Connect is currently working with 120 veterans who are at risk of homelessness. Many of them only have shorts and flip flops. As the weather gets colder, their need for warm clothing becomes critical. We host a Warmth for the Winter Campaign each year to raise donations for veterans, such as socks, sneakers, gloves, hats, sweatshirts, and blankets. These newly donated items are distributed on Veteran’s Day as a way to express our gratitude for those who have given so much to our country.
Thanks to Grayson’s help and our 34 AmeriCorps members, this year’s Warmth for the Winter Campaign was a success. Grayson is officially Operation: Veteran Connect’s youngest community volunteer and donated a total of 94 new items to keep veterans warm this winter.
Become an Operation: Veteran Connect member and make a positive impact on veterans in your community. Click the button below or email OVC@seniorsinservice.org to learn more.
