(Photos provided by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center)By Amy Kehm
akehm@abcnews4.com
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) -- The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina are preparing for the 13th Stand Down Against Homelessness. It is October 18 and 19 at Armory Park in North Charleston.
The annual event offers medical and dental screenings and assistance, clothing, food, haircuts and job and legal counseling for hundreds of homeless persons in the greater Charleston area.
"On average we serve about 2,000 people each at our Stand Down for Homelessness," The VA's Tonya Lobbestael said on Lowcountry Live.
Lobbestael noted that the event often produces success stories. For instance, one man who attended the event years ago received the help he needed and now works at the VA Hospital plus volunteers his time at Stand Down Against Homelessness.
To make the event a success, organizers are requesting the following donations: food donations (non perishable), sport socks (90 percent male, 10 percent female), briefs (90 percent male, 10 percent female), arm bands (will need red and blue), combs/picks, reading glasses, toe nail clippers and breakfast and lunch sponsors. In addition, monetary donations and volunteers are needed.
To help, call the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center at (843) 789-7488.
