Veterans Stand Down begins accepting community donations
SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- With the 9th annual Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down event fast approaching, organizers began accepting community donations on Wednesday.
The second of four scheduled community drop-off opportunities is being held at the Santa Maria Fairpark from noon to 2 p.m.
The Veterans Stand Down is an annual event that provides homeless and at-risk veterans with hot food, access to services, clothing and hygiene items.
Through the years, community members have helped provide many items that are donated to the veterans.
This year, organizers are again asking for people to help out by donating towels, blankets, toothbrushes, toothpaste, men's and women's tee shirts, underwear, shoes, baby diapers, small size shampoo, bar soap, and hangers.
All donated clothes should only be new, not used.
In addition to Wednesday's drop-off event, more are planned for Oct. 6 and Oct. 13.
The Veterans Stand Down is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
Applications for veterans who want to attend the Stand Down are available at the Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down website: www.sbcountystanddown.com or by calling Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s Office at (805) 346-8402.
There is no charge to veterans and their families who attend Stand Down.
This marks the return of the event after last year's Stand Down was canceled due to COVID-19.
For more information, visit the Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down website.
