Marlborough – Over the last two years, Sweats for Vets has given over 500 Boston sports” team sweatshirts to homeless veterans living in shelters and transitional housing throughout Central Massachusetts.
Starting two years ago out of a sixth grade classroom at the Advanced Math and Science Academy, Sweats for Vets began to raise funds in order to purchase new sweatshirts for all the homeless veterans affiliated with Veterans Inc. of Worcester. Last year, the organization exceeded their goal and were able to offer sweatshirts to patients at the long-term care ward at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford.
This year the organization has established a goal to expand its offerings to both the New England Center for Homeless Veterans in Boston and the Veterans Transition House?of Southeastern Massachusetts in New Bedford. This will require the organization to raise over 500 sweatshirts just this year.
“This goal will be tough, but we have to do everything in our power to serve these American heroes,” the organization's President Mark Vital said. “Last year, many of our local veteran organizations came through. Hopefully we'sl be successful again.”
This year's campaign has already begun with a $250 donation from Marlborough's Veterans Council. Further, on Monday, Oct. 7, Finnegan's Pub in Hudson will be conducting a charity golf tournament for Sweats for Vets at the Green Hill Golf Course in Worcester. Foursomes are still being accepted; sign up is at the pub.
There will be a meeting of volunteers to coordinate this year's campaign. To volunteer, contact Vital at [email protected]. To make a donation, visit www.sweats4vets.com.
New Boston sports team sweatshirts can be dropped off at the Italian American War Veterans Post 45, 111 Neil St., or the Advanced Math and Science Academy, 201 Forest St., in Marlborough; Finnegan's Pub, 25 South St., in Hudson; or Julio's Liquors, 140 Turnpike Road, in Westborough.
