Trinity Wimberly-Mann, Intern
thefranklinpressnews@gmail.com
The Men’s Group at the First Presbyterian Church will be raising money for local homeless veterans during the second week of September. Mayor Jack Horton proclaimed Sept. 10-16 as Help Homeless Veterans Week and encourages locals, “to support the efforts to help our homeless and distressed veterans.”
The Men’s Group started raising money for veterans in 2014 by going to festivals and setting up booths at local events. In 2018 they began a weeklong coin collection by placing jars in local businesses. Last year they raised over $2,000 and in 2021 raised over $9,000. This year the Men’s Group will be placing jars in around 70 businesses across Macon County.
This year all the proceeds will go to 828 VETS, a local organization made up of veterans who help local veterans and their families. 828 VETS meets every Thursday for Coffee and Camaraderie at 8:30 a.m. at CareNet. They also host a Community Engagement Social with nonveterans on the last Friday of every month from 5-7 p.m. at different locations. Since they were founded in October 2021, they have helped 26 local veterans.
The founder of 828 VETS, Craig McManus said, “Donations such as those from the Men’s Group go a long way. Just this weekend we were able to purchase personal items so we can build out backpacks to give to homeless veterans in need at the upcoming Smoky Mountain Stand Down that we will be supporting.”
Leigh Tabor-Holbrooks, director at Macon County’s Veteran Services Office said, “Macon County has 3,700 veterans. Twelve of those are truly homeless. Many more struggle with lack of housing or proper housing since many veterans have special needs, food insecurity and lack of mental health care directed to veterans.”
To support the homeless and distressed veterans in Macon County, make a donation at one of the jars around town or go to the First Presbyterian Church and ask for Kraft. A jar will be available at The Franklin Press.
For more information on 828 VETS visit their website at 828vets.com. To volunteer or for support send an email at 828mgmt@828vets.com or text 828-371-2850.