American Legion Post 70 in Troy and its Auxiliary Unit received a boost from the Troy University Student Government Association in its efforts to assist homeless veterans associated with Tuskegee Veterans Hospital.

The SGA presented a check in the amount of $587 to Post members with the funds designated to assist with the packing of baskets for homeless veterans for whom the hospital is dedicated to finding “living quarters.

Katie Hale, Post 70 auxiliary president, and Bob McLendon, Post 70 commander, accepted the donation and expressed appreciation for the interest and support of the SGA.

“The SGA recognized the need and responded in such a wonderful way,” Hale said. “This donation will go a long way in purchasing items needed to help homeless veterans. When the hospital finds them a place to live, whether it’s an apartment or a house, they have little except the baskets that have been packed for them.”

Hale said it is encouraging to know that young people are willing to reach out to homeless veterans.

“There are many more homeless veterans than you would imagine,” she said. “They served us and we need to do what we can to help them. We thank the Troy University SGA for this generous donation.”

Patrick Rodgers, SGA vice president of campus activities, said the donated funds were raised through the SGA’s Tailgate for Troops, a Troy University Homecoming event.

At Tailgate for Troops, student organizations prepared food items and wristbands could be purchased to sample the food. The funds raised were designed for troop support.”

“We read that the American Legion was packing baskets to help homeless veterans when homes were found for them,” Rodgers said. “We thought that would be a worthy use of the money that was raised through Tailgate for Troops. We are glad to have this opportunity to support and serve our veterans.”

Hale said Post 70 and Unit 70 are continuing to collect items for the basket for homeless veterans.

“Once homes are found for these veterans, and there may be as few as one or as many as 10 a month, the Tuskegee Veterans Hospital has the responsibility of providing bedding, towels, cooking utensils, cleaning supplies and other items needed for housekeeping,” Hale said. “The baskets are a way help those who are helping our veterans.”

Those who would like to donate items or funds to the efforts of American Legion Post 70 and Unit 70 to assist homeless veterans are encouraged to call Katie Hale at 334-465-1765 to make arrangement for the collection of the donated items. The items may also be delivered to the America Legion Post home on East Walnut Street in downtown Troy on the second Saturday of the month.