Members of a Harford County women?s veterans group want to help other women veterans stay warm this winter.
The Harford County Women?s Army Corps Veterans? Association, led by Aberdeen resident Judy Fortier, already provides care packages to female veterans who arrive in Perry Point in Cecil for medical care.
But many arrive “in nothing more than a gown,” Fortier said, and her group plans to gather coats for them.
“They?re admitted at other hospitals, and many times, after they are transferred to a VA facility, their belongings get lost in the shuffle,” said Mary Moses, the association?s vice president.
Fortier was cautious about calling the effort a “coat drive.”
“People typically step up to help our veterans, and if everyone in Harford county donated a coat ? we don?t have enough storage space for all of that,” she said.
“What we need are jackets and coats for approximately 35 to 40 women,” Fortier said.
However, a VA spokesman encouraged people, especially with Veterans Day fast approaching, to consider donating to the VA as an alternative.
“We?re always looking for unique ways to help our veterans, and a lot of people don?t realize that we are ? always looking for volunteers and accepting donations,” VA spokesman David Edwards said.
Edwards said the VA strives to assist veterans with whatever they need, but the efforts of groups like Fortier?s association serve to “supplement” those needs.
Edward said people wishing to donate clothing or other necessities to veterans at Perry Point should call 800-949-1003, ext. 1039, to make drop off arrangements.
Donations are also accepted at the Office of Volunteer Services, Building 15H, during normal business hours.
