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Homeless veterans stand down begins with a wish list

By Chris Graham - Chris' Mailbag | Jun 10, 2018

Harbor Homes, Inc., a not-for-profit organization established in 1980, provides support services to low-income individuals and families. In 2004, the body of a homeless veteran found along the Nashua River prompted research resulting in Veterans FIRST, a focus on providing veteran-specific housing and services to servicemen and women in New Hampshire. Harbor Homes in Nashua and the Manchester VA, are making plans to co-host the 12th annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans in Nashua in September. The groups have reached out to the Mailbag for support and donations.

Giving to those who have given so much

“Harbor Homes is seeking community and business support for the annual Homeless Veterans Stand Down event coming up on Sept. 28, 2018 in Nashua, beginning with a (partial) wish list of needed items (new items only, please. We cannot store used items). While the event is still months away, months of planning and preparation, including commitment from volunteers, donations from individuals and businesses, are needed to make this much anticipated and beneficial for local veterans event a success,” is the message from Andrea Reed, supportive employment program manager for Harbor Homes’ Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (LTR 3,363). “Our wish list for homeless veterans and their families begins with backpacks, blankets, sheet sets, raincoats, jackets for men and women, towels and washclothes (HUGE need), air mattresses, tents and tarps. More items will be mentioned in the coming weeks including non-

perishable foods, bus passes, gas cards/phone cards, toiletry bags, waterproof bags and folding tables for vendors and goods at the event. For some veterans a Stand Down may be the first time they are introduced to the VA Medical Center, the Nashua Public Health Department, Harbor Homes’ Behavioral Health, employment programs and other services and benefits they have earned and deserve. Thanks to the Mailbag for helping announce this upcoming event and publishing some of the items needed.” As always, Chris’ Mailbag, a people-helping-people column, is a service to the greater Nashua area with pleasure. For more information about the 12th annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans event, call 882-3616 and ask for Andrea Reed, or email: a.reed@nhpartnership.org. More information and an extended wish list in the upcoming weeks.

Commemorative local glass Octoberfest mugs and more …

The original Oktoberfest, the world’s largest festival (Volksfest) held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, is a 16-18 day folk festival running from mid or late September to the first weekend in October, however, the tradition is celebrated with shorter festivals held in cities and towns throughout the United States. “A collection of glassware and a few other assorted items donated to Chris’ Mailbag this week include three heavy, glass, commemorative beer mugs from Octoberfest celebrations in Keene, NH – Sept. 25, 1982, Oct. 1, 1984 and the second annual Keene Octoberfest in 1978,” says Bert the Picker, of Nashua (LTR 1,775). “Also have commemorative glass mugs from the Vermont Jaycees Convention ’83, May 20-22 (Connecticut Valley JayCees, Bonnie Oaks and Fairlee, Vt.), and a heavy, glass ‘A’ goblet from Amusements of America (Bob’s Glass House). Fun beer mugs for a home bar serving beer, root beer, or soda, or perhaps you attended one of these events and missed out on a souvenir. Other assorted items include a glass, footed, creamer and sugar set (very unique), two matching 8-inch spiral glass vases, a MEAD canvas three-ring binder with an attached pouch; 11-inch round, glass Christmas tray (Holly design), and a small white and gold angel figurine (exclusive creation by Museum Collection 1983), plays “Silent Night.” All these items are here for the taking, looking for someone to enjoy using them.” Interested parties can reach Bert at 883-0990.

Update

The collection of Yankee Magazines offered by Bert the Picker of Nashua (LTR 1,775) were picked up by a delighted Nancy C. of Nashua, who mentioned that she keeps reading about Bert in the Mailbag and always wanted to meet him, then comes to find out she stops to talk to him Sundays at the Hollis Flea Market. Small world!

Contact Chris’ Mailbag by emailing christine.graham33@gmail.com or sending mail to Chris’ Mailbag c/o The Telegraph, 110 Main St., Suite 1, Nashua 03060. Include full name and complete address, along with telephone number or email address for publication, if applicable. Items eligible for publication are for donation, trade or barter only; requests of items for sale or purchase will not be included.

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