Pennsylvania – ‘Operation Veterans Hope’ Begins

Spring City, Pennsylvania

Thermal clothing, computer game consoles, a large-screen television and other items were donated in April to residents of the Southeastern Veterans Center in Spring City by members of Council 13 and District Council 88. “To all the veterans here today, a heartfelt ‘thank you’ from every member of the AFSCME family,” said Council 13 Exec. Dir. David R. Fillman, who is also an International vice president. “For the many sacrifices you’ve made for our country, please accept today’s donations as our humble gesture of gratitude.”

Members of District Council 88 contributed to the Southeastern Veterans Center, the first of six centers that will receive donations throughout the year.

The council’s program is part of a new nationwide initiative, AFSCME’s Matching Fund for Veterans, which provides support for state veterans’ homes, where many AFSCME members work. Through matching grants, AFSCME affiliates are encouraged to “adopt” these homes and to initiate their own fundraising drives.

In addition to Pennsylvania, AFSCME represents veterans’ home employees in Alaska, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indianapolis, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.