LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. — Libertyville Rotary Sunrise teams with Zengeler Cleaners for their annual ‘Coats For Vets’ collection drive going on now through Oct. 31 at Zengeler’s two locations here.
“Weather in the Midwest is always challenging, especially during the fall and winter months,” says Tom Zengeler, president of Zengeler Cleaners and active Rotarian and charter member of the Libertyville Rotary Sunrise chapter of Rotary International.
The annual “Coats for Vets” drive collects winter coats, jackets and other seasonal apparel for veterans throughout the northern Illinois area, says Zengeler.
“This is a particularly challenging time for many veterans having difficulty finding meaningful work,” he says. “Members of Libertyville Rotary Sunrise have taken up the cause because they—and we—understand it’s our job to support them.
“It’s a small way for us to join hands and say ‘thank you’ to those who serve and protect so we can enjoy our way of life. With our military engaged in so many different areas of the world, more veterans than ever are in need of jobs, food, clothing and housing.”
All types of clothing and accessories are needed during the drive, the company notes.
“Our vets are in need of blankets, gloves, hats and other seasonal apparel, in addition to coats and jackets,” Zengeler says. “Please take a few minutes to look through your closet and donate items our vets need so badly. The need for donations increases every year.”
Once donations are gathered, the Zengeler Cleaners team will inspect, repair as needed, and clean every item, then deliver them to the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in time for Veterans Day, the company indicates.
“We can only meet those needs with the help of generous individuals in the community,” says Zengeler.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].