Freedom Care One joined forces with Ocean State Job Lot in Pennsylvania to distribute 2,500 ‘Buckets for Vets’ at the Philadelphia Sports Complex. With the help of the Philadelphia Phillies, 76ers, Eagles, Flyers, local community volunteers, RI State Police and National Guard and more, the buckets will be given to homeless veterans facing the challenges of winter without adequate shelter or essentials.
Delivering More Than Just Supplies
Each bucket contains a winter coat, hat, gloves, scarf, insulated socks, hand and feet warmers, health and hygiene supplies, water, and other essential items, but ‘Buckets for Vets’ symbolizes more than the sum of their contents. They are a message to veterans that they are not alone, and that their sacrifice has not, and will not, go unnoticed.
This initiative would not be possible without David Sarlitto, the Executive Director of the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, who is dedicated to creating positive change and impactful differences for veterans and their families.
“Our ‘Bucket for Vets’ program is part of a longstanding effort by OSJL to not only address immediate needs but also to foster a sense of community and support for those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.”
Initiatives like ‘Buckets for Vets’ offer crucial temporary aid, all while raising awareness and bringing together communities. Community-driven efforts are essential as they highlight the need for broader systemic changes to support veterans long-term. Addressing veteran homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach: accessible mental health resources, affordable housing initiatives, job education/training that leverages veterans’ skills are just a few of many necessary steps needed to create sustainable solutions that honor veterans’ contributions and sacrifices.
A Call for Systemic Change
While community-driven efforts like this are essential, they also highlight the need for broader, systemic changes to support veterans long-term.
“Until you travel to another country, you will [then] learn the appreciation of America. The sweat, blood and tears that our veterans have given to make sure we are free. Freedom isn’t free, and we thank all of our veterans that are here.”
– Council President Kenyatta Johnson
Our vets have sacrificed and given us more than any average citizen can comprehend, yet 32,882 veterans are experiencing homeless in the United States. According to a poll of veterans nationwide, conducted by Mission Roll Call, “more than 90% of veterans said they do not think enough is being done to address veteran homelessness.”
How you can make a difference
Every person has the power to make a meaningful impact on a veteran’s life. Here are a few ways to get involved:
Volunteer: Many organizations need hands-on support, whether it’s packing supplies, serving meals, or offering mentorship to veterans transitioning to civilian life.
Donate: Consider giving to trusted veteran organizations that focus on both immediate aid and long-term solutions.
Advocate: Push for policies that support veterans’ housing, healthcare, and employment needs. Use your voice to encourage systemic change.
Show Empathy: Next time you see a homeless person, remember that they could be a veteran who has made sacrifices for the freedoms you enjoy. A small act of kindness or a supportive word can go a long way.
Standing together for those who stood for us
“Buckets for Vets” is not just an event—it’s a call to bring communities together to create change. A call for communities everywhere to unite for a common cause. Let’s build on this momentum and challenge ourselves to provide not only temporary aid but lasting change. Our veterans deserve our ongoing respect and unwavering support, not just during community initiatives, but every single day. It’s time to take a stand—for them, for our country, and for the future we all share.
Special Thanks
A special thank you to Wanda Pate, the Veterans Affairs Manager of Philadelphia, OSJL, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, Council President Johnson, and all of the local veterans’ organizations, first responders, and community volunteers who participated and made the distribution of the 2,500 “Buckets for Vets” possible.
