Event benefits homeless veterans

Giving back to those who gave of themselves. That’s the idea behind the Community Day event planned by the Proctorville Kroger. Proceeds from the event, scheduled for noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 2, will raise money for the Homeless Veterans of America through the VA medical center.

For Patricia King, event and donation coordinator, the cause is close to her heart. Her father, a veteran who recently passed away, was homeless for a while. So when Kroger co-manager Mohannad Hassan asked her what to raise money for, she knew what she should choose.

“My dad was homeless for a year,” she said. “That’s real close to home.”

The organization provides supplies like coats in the winter, socks and shampoo to homeless veterans. It also gives them help in getting off the street, King said, adding that the organization does not give out cash to the veterans.

The event is free but proceeds from a hotdog sale and a bake sale will benefit the organization. Several companies have contributed food and supplies for the event. Local vendor Kingdom Ribs and Chicken is also contributing the proceeds of the sandwich sales that day.

The store is inviting members of the military to come to the event and participate in a flag changing ceremony. A cruise-in and other activities are also being planned.

“We’d love to have all the local veterans,” King said. “That would be awesome if they could show their support as well.”

This is the second year the Proctorville Kroger has had Community Day. Last year the event benefited the American Cancer Society and brought in about 150 people, Hassan said. This year he hopes for more. Hassan said one of the goals of the event is to let the community know it is more than just a grocery store; it’s a member of the community.

“Anything we can do to help the community, we are there for it,” he said.