By JACKIE HOGAN
Cambria American Legion Auxiliary Unit 432 (ALA) excels at making backpacks for homeless Veterans containing basic needs items, such as socks, dental kits, bathing kits and shaving kits. The Cambria ALA started the program called, “We’ve got your BACK Packs” in 2019. Annually, the Legion Auxiliary fills about 60 packs and distributes them to veteran agencies in the County to use throughout the year. The auxiliary has gotten so good at this effort that one of the agencies, SLO Vet Center, recently approached members to support veterans in the upcoming Veterans’ Stand Down, on October 26, in Santa Maria by providing 100 packs. This Stand Down will service veterans from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.
Stand Downs are one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs efforts to provide services to homeless veterans. Services include food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, Veterans Administration and Social Security benefits, counseling, and referrals to a variety of necessary services, such as housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment. Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless.
As one of the community organizations whose purpose is to serve Veterans, of course the Cambria Legion Auxiliary said yes to the latest call to action. The cost to fill each of the 100 backpacks for the Stand Down in Santa Maria is approximately $60. This is where members of the community can help. The Auxiliary has created a Go Fund Me page to raise the funds needed to fill this expanded order for backpacks with all types of necessities like rain jackets, socks, hats, razors, soaps, flashlights, emergency blankets, and even some yummy treats.
Please visit the Legion Auxiliary’s Go Fund Me page here to help purchase all the items needed. Personal checks can be made out and mailed to: Cambria ALA, P.O. Box 732, Cambria. The Cambria ALA members find great pride in the work done for the community. Help members to make this project extra special for the County homeless vets in need. They had the country’s back when they served, now it is time to give back to them.
