For veterans moving into permanent housing, having a place to call home is an important first step. Making that space livable requires some of the everyday essentials that can be easy to take for granted.
On Friday, about 50 volunteers gather at Veterans Inc. in Worcester to assemble 2,000 kits filled with bedding, towels and personal care products for veterans in need throughout New England.
The effort, organized by Ocean State Job Lot in partnership with Veterans Inc., the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department and other community organizations, is part of Operation Sleep Well, an initiative of the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation that provides basic household necessities to veterans transitioning into housing.
Volunteers will assemble the kits from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 9, at Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St.
Each kit will contain a pillow, sheet set, blanket, bath and hand towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner and a razor. Kits intended for female veterans will also include feminine hygiene products.
Of the 2,000 kits assembled, 150 will remain with Veterans Inc. for distribution to veterans served by the Worcester-based organization. The remaining 1,850 will be distributed through other organizations assisting veterans across New England.
The initiative addresses a practical challenge for veterans moving out of homelessness or other unstable living situations: obtaining the basic supplies needed to settle into a new home.
Veterans Inc., headquartered in Worcester, provides housing assistance and other support services to veterans, including those experiencing homelessness or facing difficulties transitioning to civilian life.
Ocean State Job Lot, a Rhode Island-based discount retailer with 177 stores across 11 states, operates Operation Sleep Well through its charitable foundation as part of its broader support for veterans and military families.
Friday’s event will bring together employees and volunteers from the retailer, Veterans Inc., the Sheriff’s Department and other community partners to prepare the kits for distribution.
The assembly effort is scheduled to conclude at noon, with the supplies subsequently distributed to organizations working directly with veterans.
