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Food 2 Veterans drive canceled

Posted at 2:47 PM, May 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-28 17:22:32-04

UPDATE: This event has been canceled.

KJRH 2 Works for You and Osage Casino and Hotel are partnering with the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma to collect food donations for veterans.

“At Osage Casinos, we make it a priority to stay connected with the Tulsa community and help those in need,” said Byron Bighorse, CEO of Osage Casinos. “It is an honor and privilege to participate in programs like Food 2 Veterans.”

The fourth annual Food 2 Veterans drive is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 29 at the 2 Works for You studio located on Brookside. Foods in high demand include peanut butter, canned meat, soups, rice, beans, pasta and non-perishable meals.

Donations collected from the 2 Cares for the Community Food 2 Veterans drive will benefit local veteran charities, the Community Service Council’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) and the Coffee Bunker.

“Good food nurtures the health and soul of eastern Oklahoma veterans,”said Jim Lyall, veterans outreach coordinator for the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. “With the generous support of the community,and the 2 Works for You Food 2 Veterans drive, the Food Bank can provide additional food to local veterans. Eighteen percent of the homes the Food Bank serve have a military veteran. We count on the community with this drive to get food-insecure veterans the assistance they need. We are proud to help sustain our many partners like theSSVF and the Coffee Bunker.”

Formerly known as BRRX4VETS, SSVF is a rapid rehousing program funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Service for Veteran Families grant. Serving 19 counties in northeastern Oklahoma, SSVF uses the Housing First model to provide temporary intervention and short-term assistance to low-income veteran families.

“SSVF helps over 400 veterans each year and houses approximately 250 of those who are literally homeless,” said Rachel Runfola, director of veteran programs at the Community Service Council. “Often times,veterans enter new housing without many of the essentials we take for granted. The food from Food 2 Veterans significantly helps each family transition successfully into housing with one less detail to worry about.”

Tulsa’s only peer run drop-in center, the Coffee Bunker,provides a safe and relaxing atmosphere that welcomes all military servicemen and women, as well as their family members.

The Coffee Bunker has a 3500 square foot facility for veterans and their families to engage in games and group activities, access Wi-Fi, watch T.V. and enjoy each other’s company.

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