The Annual Caring Patriots’ Veteran Food Drive deadline for fund raising is November 20, 2021. Last year we helped them sponsor 750 veterans with $300 Jewel-Osco cards for a one-day shopping spree. This method replaced the usual disbursement of gift baskets during COVID and will be implemented again this year. A benefit was it allowed everyone to choose the items they needed or wanted most. However, a rather significant downside to not handing out bags of groceries for some is it removes a point of social contact so many of our vets appreciate. For many it marks one of the few opportunities they have to connect with people. We hope to see this aspect return as soon as it can be done safely.
Caring Patriots NFP, Inc. is a non-profit corporation and shall be operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code. Caring Patriots shall provide opportunities for those who share our philosophy by joining together in community service to provide help and assistance to Veterans.
Mike Cozzi, founder of Caring Patriots, wants to remind everyone this project is about saying thank you to veterans for the selfless service they have provided to our country. The Caring Patriot Veterans Board extends their significant gratitude to all the trades, who have supported and participated in past collection efforts, and they hope they can count on all of us again this year. Every donation is critically important in reaching their goal.
In speaking with the vets who came out last year, there was an overwhelming sense of concern around where holiday meals would come from. Many had lost jobs with COVID affecting so many businesses. Monetary donations are more critical this year than ever before because two of their main fundraisers were adversely affected by COVID restrictions. The annual golf outing had to be cancelled and Jewel-Osco donation drop off locations were reduced from fifty-two last year to only thirteen this year. Obviously, this creates a major challenge to meeting their fundraising goals. If they are unable to or are significantly short raising funds, they will have no other option but to drastically reduced the number of veterans receiving food. So please, consider donating to help feed our veterans this holiday season.
If you have any questions regarding donations or the program, reach out to Helen Chung: (312) 415-0048.
Please make checks payable to Caring Patriots and mail them to:
Painters District Council 14
Attn: Caring Patriots
1456 W Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60607
If you know a veteran in need, they can get food help through the group's website: CaringPatriots.org or by emailing info@caringpatriots.org.