Rutland Unit 215
Rutland Unit 215 Sponsors Virtual Trick – or – Treat Event in October 2023
For the seventh year in a row, Bergman-Evenson Unit 215 of Rutland has sponsored a ‘Trick or Treat” for homeless veterans in October. Until 2020, members of the unit went door-to-door in late October, collecting warm clothing, personal care items, and food donations.
When COVID entered the picture in 2021, our unit decided to do a virtual “Trick-or -Treat” event. The event was well advertised at the beginning of October and drop boxes as well as donation jars were scattered around the community. It was a phenomenal success! Since then, the “Trick or Treat” for homeless veterans has been a virtual event and has covered a wider area. The collected donations are sorted, packed, and delivered to the Gladys Ray Shelter and Veterans Drop-In Center in Fargo. The Center “supports” homeless individuals seeking temporary shelter and operates a drop-in center for homeless veterans seeking rest and other supportive services.
Our unit contacts the Gladys Ray Shelter in September and requests a list of the Center’s most needed items. This list is then included in our advertising. Socks are always at the top of the list along with hats and gloves. This year, our unit was able to collect and donate 132 pair of men’s socks, 30 pair of women’s socks, 13 hats, 5 pair of gloves, 3 heavy-lined hoodies, some personal care items, and $657.65 in cash donations.
American Legion Bergman-Evenson Post 215 of Rutland is a staunch supporter of the “Trick or Treat” for homeless veterans and generously donates cash for the project.
Bergman-Evenson Unit 215 feels fortunate to have such widespread support for all of our endeavors. We cannot thank all of our donors enough for helping us help our veterans.
Submitted by Unit Members