Military Veteran Organizations and Sienna/Francis House Ask for Public’s Help in Filling 65 Backpacks for Homeless Military Veterans

Now through Thursday, Nov. 7, the public can donate much-needed items to fill backpacks for homeless military veterans who are staying temporarily at the Siena/Francis House. Items can be dropped off at Bellevue University’s Military Veteran Services Center at 2108 Harvell Drive, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005.

According to Heather Carroll, Manager of the Military Veteran Services Center, the backpack drive is sponsored by Bellevue University and the Wounded Warrior Project. “Our goal is to fill 65 backpacks with essentials that will improve the day-to-day lives of the homeless veterans who are served by the Siena/Francis House,” she said. “The things that many of us take for granted mean the world to these veterans.” Items needed include: shampoo, toothbrushes, warm winter gloves and hats, trail mix, water bottles and socks.

Carroll said the backpacks will be presented to the Siena Francis House staff and residents on Monday, Nov. 11 at the Siena/Francis House’s annual Veterans Day celebration. Locally, several hundred military veterans seek shelter at the Siena/ Francis House each year; while nationally, about 20 percent of all homeless persons are veterans.