Bellevue University and Community Partners Launch 11th Annual Backpack Drive to Support Homeless Veterans

Now through Friday, Nov. 10, the public can make a cash donation to purchase much-needed items and help Bellevue University fill 100 backpacks for homeless military veterans at the Sienna Francis House and New Visions Homeless Services.

Cash donations can be dropped off at Bellevue University’s Military Veteran Services Center at 2108 Harvell Circle in Bellevue, Nebraska 68005. Online donations can be made here. The center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Donations of all amounts are important, said Heather Carroll, Manager of the Bellevue University Military Veteran Services Center. She said that:

• $10 provides snacks for 10 veterans
• $25 provides pairs of socks for 25 veterans
• $50 provides hand and feet warmers for 75 veterans
• $100 provides boots for two veterans

For those who can’t make a cash donation, but would still like to give back can volunteer their time to fill backpacks. Volunteers can sign up here. 

According to Carroll, the number of homeless veterans seeking shelter spikes during the colder months. She said one of the drive’s goals this year is to be able to provide each veteran with a coat and boots to keep warm and to have something to call their own.

“This is a way to say thank you to our homeless veterans and to let them know that we do care about them and the hardships they are going through,” said Carroll. “That’s what makes this drive worthwhile and why we do it year after year.”

The backpacks will be presented to the Siena Francis House and New Visions staff and residents on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 10, during the Siena Francis House’s annual Veterans Day celebration.