Thanksgiving is here, and because of the outstanding spirit of giving found in the community local veterans are getting the help they need to make the day a happy one.
On Monday, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island delivered approximately 100 food baskets across the state to the organization’s veteran clients.
“Throughout the last several weeks we’ve been accepting donations from the community for specific items that we put in these turkey baskets. We then deliver them to the 88 residents that live in Stand Down housing and other residents that sign up,” said Dee DeQuattro Rothermel, Director of Development at OSDRI.
Prior to the delivery, a major donation was delivered to OSDRI by members of the Johnston Police Department. During the last month, a collection bin was placed in the lobby of police headquarters. Chief Richard Tamburini, along with the men and women of the Johnston Police Department, reached out to residents to help collect non-perishable food items for the Johnston-based organization. With the community’s support, the JPD sought to give back to those men and women who served and gave so much of themselves.
According to Lori Anderson, the chief’s administrative assistant, the response was fantastic as she had to empty the bin multiple times to make room for new contributions. Chief Tamburini, along with Deputy Chief Joseph Razza, both said that they appreciated the community’s support, including the members of the JPD who also contributed, and that they are there to help serve veterans year round in any way they can.
“One of the things we say here at Operation Stand Down is that every day here is Veterans Day. We’re doing this work all throughout the year,” said DeQuattro Rothermel. “This is important, as it’s a big holiday, but we have a food pantry that’s open all year round. We see at least a dozen veterans a day that go to that food pantry. We’re always looking for food donations; it’s not just because it’s Thanksgiving followed by Christmas. This is a great help. We like to bring joy to veteran families, especially those that aren’t as fortunate.”
In July, with summer in full swing, the pantry shelves at OSDRI were nearly bare and food stocks fell to dangerously low levels. However, once the word got out that donations were needed, the community answered and filled the pantry in a week’s time. Much has improved since then.
“We actually are not at bare bones anymore, thankfully. Unfortunately, what happens is that people get busy with their own lives come the warmer months and they forget the charitable component in giving back to the community,” said DeQuattro Rothermel. “But we have a huge influx come this time of year.”
As part of an ongoing partnership now in its third year, Pride Hyundai staff joined OSDRI to deliver the Thanksgiving baskets to the veterans. With a heavy load to haul, Pride Hyundai utilized two of its vehicles, a Santa Fe and a Tucson, to make the delivery.
“With the help of Pride Hyundai, they help us deliver these to all these veterans to help give them a happy Thanksgiving,” said DeQuattro Rothermel, who added that gift cards accompanied the baskets so that veterans could purchase a turkey and additional items if needed.
Lisa Pariseault, dealer principal at Pride Hyundai, said she and her company were honored to help distribute the baskets to veterans and of their ongoing relationship with OSDRI.
“My dad is a veteran – he fought in the Vietnam War – so it’s near and dear to us. He was wounded and went through many of the same things that these veterans went through, so it’s important for us to give back,” said Pariseault.
OSDRI is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Rhode Island’s primary nonprofit resource for homeless and at-risk veterans. While their mission is to help homeless and at-risk veterans secure stable housing, they also go above and beyond for veteran families. They’re now looking ahead towards Christmas.
“Right now, we’re feeling pretty good about our food supplies. What we’re trying to do is to bring some holiday cheer and some Christmas joy to families locally, and one of the ways we do that is by collecting gift cards from the community,” said DeQuattro Rothermel. “What we’ll do is we’ll give them out to veterans and their families so that they can provide Christmas for their families versus having nothing under the tree.”
OSDRI encourages the community to drop off gift cards for veterans at their headquarters at 1010 Hartford Avenue. Cards will be collected until December 17. Cards sought include those from department stores, restaurants, supermarkets and pharmacies. For more information visit OSDRI’s website at osdri.org or call 383-4730.
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