Action = Change: How Can You Serve Vets?

There are many ways individuals and families can support veterans during the holiday season and year-round. Here are a few ideas.

1. Send a card or letter to veterans. Homemade cards are welcome, with thank-you or thinking-of-you sentiments. Sign with first name only, for privacy. Do not date, since they might be distributed throughout the year. All greetings are held seven days as a health precaution and reviewed for content. No candy or other items, no perfume or confetti or glitter. No personal contact information. No photographs.

• Mail to: Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Voluntary/Community Resource Service (135), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
• Questions? 612-467-2050, vhaminvol@va.gov, or va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/work-with-us

2. Donate goods. Every Third Saturday (ETS) offers veterans and their families a place to connect and form community, especially those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Services include offering clothing and hygiene items, providing space for groups to meet, offering an empowerment course called Warrior’s Return, and employing veterans through an internship program.

The center accepts new and gently used clothing, shoes, boots, blankets, and towels, as well as seasonal items. All socks, underwear, and hygiene items must be new. Donations can be dropped off at ETS on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 4pm, at 5402 43rd Avenue S., Minneapolis. everythirdsaturday.org/supply-store

3. Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota collects items statewide to benefit veterans. donatedavmn.org

4. The Respite Foster program supports pet owners in the Twin Cities for up to 90 days who would otherwise be in dangerous conditions. This service is extended to veterans who are experiencing homelessness, and those who are being deployed. The program has a need for additional foster homes. Food, supplies, training, and vetting are provided free, as is 24/7 phone support. thebondbetween.org

5. Volunteer to build specially adapted custom homes for severely injured veterans. hfotusa.org/get-involved