Vietnam Veterans Clothing Donations in Ohio

About 23 percent of homeless people in the United States are military veterans, according to a fact sheet compiled in 2009 by the National Coalition for the Homeless. Nearly half of those homeless veterans served during the Vietnam War era, and many still suffer the effects of war-related physical and mental problems that made adjustment to civilian life difficult. To fund efforts aiding Vietnam War veterans, several organizations accept clothing and other donations in Ohio.

AMVETS of Ohio

A non-profit organization, AMVETS National Service Foundation provides career and employment assistance for U.S. veterans of all wars and branches of the armed services. To raise funds in support of these programs, several AMVETS Thrift Stores across the country sell donated clothing and goods. None of these stores operates in Ohio, but AMVETS does pick up donations by arrangement in various Ohio cities, including Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, Cincinnati and others. According to their website, AMVETS of Ohio especially needs clothing donations of all sizes for men, women and children.

Vietnam Veterans of America

A national organization with 30 chapters in Ohio, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) sells donated goods to fund programs servicing the needs of military veterans of the Vietnam War era. It does not operate stores, but rather sells donated goods to retailers through a bidding process. The VVA accepts donated clothing of all kinds in all sizes and offers home pickup service to several Ohio counties.

Veterans First

Run by veterans for veterans, Veterans First operates a store in Columbus, Ohio. It "sells" clothing, goods and services free to all U.S. veterans, whether they served in wartime or peace, on active duty or in the reserves. To donate clothing, drop it off at the store during business hours or contact the store to discuss pickup arrangements. They also accept donations of cash, goods and services.

Millitary Order of the Purple Heart

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, Inc., raises and manages money to support its own programs as well as those offered by the membership organization bearing the same name. These programs provide free services, not just to wounded veterans who received the Purple Heart Medal, but to all veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. As part of its fund-raising efforts, the foundation offers a home pickup service to several Ohio counties to accept donated goods and clothing of all types and sizes. These donated goods are sold in bulk, sight unseen, to various thrift and consignment shops.

References

• Vietnam Veterans of America Clothing Donation Program: About the Program
• Vietnam Veterans of America: Locate Your Local VVA Chapter
• Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, Inc.: Faqs/About Us
• AMVETS of Ohio: About Us
• AMVETS National Service Foundation: AmVets Thrift Stores
• "Columbus Messenger": Veterans First Free Store Offers Clothing -- and Much More

Resources

• AMVETS of Ohio: Acceptance Policy
• Vietnam Veterans of America Household Goods Donations: Service Areas
• Vietnam Veterans of America Schedule a Pickup: Donation Program
• Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation, Inc.: Home
• Veterans First Foundation, Inc.: Our Mission and Purpose
• National Coalition for the Homeless: Homeless Veterans