Barre Elks Lodge continued its tradition of supporting The Veterans Place in Northfield, Vermont. Barre Lodge utilized a $2000 Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant to purchase housing items for Veterans transitioning from the Veterans Place into their own housing. Members purchased, organized and packaged “Welcome Home” kits that contained sheets, towels, blankets, coffee makers, kitchen utensils, crock-pots, microwaves, Tupperware and other items needed to set up a house.
According to The Veterans Place director Karen Boyce, “Without you, several Veterans would not have had the nice start that they did have when they transitioned from our house.” Currently, the Veterans Place is serving 26 Veterans. Veterans transition in and out of the Veterans Place throughout the year.
Elk members brought loads of items, filling a storage room, then enjoyed brownies and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for dessert. Veterans ages 28 – 77 years old told stories of their time serving and their plans for the future. The Veterans Place residents will be participating in the Barre Heritage Festival and Northfield Labor Day festivities to raise funds for their programs.
From L to R: Veterans Kyle Ford, David Castine, Director Karen Boyce, Tim Gilman, Bob Shaw, Willy Lamoureux Jr, Dean Bouvier and Walter Pinette.
From L to R: Veterans Kyle Ford, David Castine, Director Karen Boyce, Tim Gilman, Bob Shaw, Willy Lamoureux Jr,
Dean Bouvier, Walter Pinette, Clint Thibodeau and Scott Smith.
From L to R: Elk members Kim Baker, Kristin Calcagni, Karen Bingham, David Bingham, Donna Bartolucci and Chip Paine.
From L to R: Orin Pittsley, Air Force & Army Veteran, Bob Davis,
Army National Guard Veteran and Leading Knight Donna Bartolucci.
Story and pictures provided by the Barre Elks Lodge.