By Stacey Jones
Rock River Current
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In 2009, a group of compassionate people decided that Rockford veterans and their families needed a place to gather and relax without the formalities that come with some other organizations.
So, they opened the Veterans Drop-In Center, 1539 S. Fourth St., in Rockford. Veterans can stop by Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m.
The center offers board games, computer classes, haircuts (three times per month), daily lunch and dinner and other activities that allow camaraderie with other veterans.
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The center’s motto is “we may not know them all but we owe them all.” That is why all services at the center are free to every veteran who walks through their door. On your first visit, you will be asked to show your DD214 or VA identification card and fill out a short form.
The center is run by volunteers and it’s a great way to show your appreciation for the sacrifices veterans make in protecting our country.
Lunch is served each day at 1 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m.
If you’re not able to volunteer, you can still help. There are several ways that you can help.
- Donate gently used household items or clothing.
- Provide a meal. (Each meal feeds approximately 25-30 people.)
- Make a financial donations.
If you would like to volunteer, make a monetary donation or donate household goods or food, contact Pat Ambrose, the center’s executive director, at 815-713-8843 or via email at director@veteransdropincenter.com.
This article is by Stacey Jones. If you have a favorite charitable organization that you would like to see featured during The 25 Days of Caring contact her at sjones@rmgmwf.com.