Wednesday

Communities donate over $2,700 to help homeless veterans at HVAF

Zionsville Library Hope for Heroes
The Eta Pi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) collected over $2,700 in donated goods and cash to benefit homeless veterans at HVAF. The effort was part of the group's 7th annual Winter Warm-Up for Homeless Veterans and involved its various community partners.

The drive, which ran from November 11 through December 17, collected items at Akard True-Value Hardware and Hussey Mayfield Library which are both located in Zionsville.

The community collected clothing and toiletries for homeless and at-risk men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. 

In addition to the collection in Zionsville, the Omega Chi chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha hosted a collection at the Chick-fil-A in Plainfield. 

Additionally, members of the Zionsville Lions Club, which has been an annual partner in the project, supported the project with donations of goods and cash totaling over $840. 

Boy Scouts Hope for Heroes
Boy Scouts of America Den 14 Pack 358 of Pleasant View Elementary, Zionsville, also collected items. The boys, who are second graders learned about the project at the Hussey-Mayfield Library which has a bin for collections as part of their Hero Tree Project which honors veterans. 

Aden Guerrero, one of the boys in the scout group, sold toys he was no longer playing with to earn money to purchase items for homeless veterans.

“I'm so proud of these boys and what they were able to accomplish," said Stephanie Leman, leader of the group. "My heart is full.”

Akard Hardware Hope for Heroes
At Akard True-Value hardware, Barbara Wood, a real estate agent and resident of Zionsville, left 9 carefully prepared bags in honor of Roger Seals, a Veteran and beloved client who passed away earlier this year. The bags each contained flannel pants, gloves, socks, and a hat as well as toiletries. Barbara, who had been seeking a way to give to a good cause this Christmas as well as an opportunity to honor Mr. Seals, found the Hope for Heroes collection to be a great way to do both. 

In addition to the efforts of Eta Pi chapter, the Omega Chi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha, hosted a collection as their first Hope for Heroes project as a newly formed chapter. The Chapter collected around 100 items, valued at just under $400 at the Plainfield Chick-fil-A.

Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) International is a leadership and service organization where members develop friendship, find their passion for community service, and continue on the path of lifelong learning. Through ESA, men and women of all ages, backgrounds and interests are united by the desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Activities for ESA’s Hope for Heroes program take place around the country year-round. Individual members and chapters often partner with other veterans’ organizations, military support groups, and military hospitals to provide a variety of materials for families, returning soldiers, and wounded warriors. All of ESA's efforts are intended to assist in meeting the needs of the individual recipients, but also to lift their spirits and feel the gratitude that ESA members feel for their service.