Help “Fill the Boot” in Union & Umatilla counties to support local veterans
By Joe Hathaway on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON — On Saturday, April 27, the Pacific Northwest Veterans Alliance and the Fair Housing Council of Oregon will join forces for the inaugural “Fill the Combat Boot” event.
The fundraiser aims to support local veterans across Eastern Oregon, with all proceeds dedicated to assisting veterans in need.
Four locations across Eastern Oregon have been designated for the fundraiser. These locations include Umatilla next to City Hall, Hermiston in front of Smitty’s Ace Hardware, Pendleton at the Promise Inn, and the La Grande Safeway.
Glenda Moyer, the Eastern Oregon education and outreach coordinator for the Fair Housing Council of Oregon, said the two organizations came up with the event to coincide with Fair Housing Month.
“We do fair housing projects in April, so we partnered with the veterans alliance to assist them with raising funds to assist local veterans,” Moyer explained.
PNW Veterans Alliance is for veterans and their families in Umatilla, Morrow and Union counties. Along with offering support for those with PTSD, the organization also provides assistance with rent, utilities and food, among other needs more difficult to anticipate.
“They assist veterans in areas that other veteran agencies cannot,” Moyer said. “Their services range from housing subsidies to essential needs like car repairs, emergency lodging or even firewood for winter.”
The times for the four Fill the Boot locations will be from 8:00am to 4:00pm in Hermiston, La Grande and Umatilla, and 9:30am to 4:00pm at the Pendleton location.
“People are welcome to walk up or drive up and we’re hoping it’s a successful event this year. If that’s the case, we might just keep on doing it every year.” said Moyer.
Volunteers are welcomed to participate in the event, with opportunities available throughout the day. “If people want to volunteer, please feel free,” Moyer encouraged. “If anyone wants to come hang out or show support, we’re not going to deny anyone”
For those unable to attend but still eager to support the cause, donations can be made directly to the Pacific Northwest Veterans Alliance.
“They do a wonderful job to bring awareness and support to all veterans and especially those veterans who struggle with traumatic brain injuries or PTSD to try and help stop veterans taking their own lives,” said Moyer. “They reach out to help veterans and their families from being in a worse spot and provide information to the community to assist veterans.”
If you would like to volunteer or find out more information, you can contact Glenda at 541-786-9513 or Shannon White at the PNW Veterans Alliance at 541-701-8006
