American Legion Post 70 and Auxiliary Unit 70 are in the process of packing four baskets for homeless veterans associated with Tuskegee Veterans Hospital.

Katie Hale, Unit 70 president, said the veterans’ hospital assists as many as 10 homeless veterans a month.

“Some months they may assist as few as one or none but too many months, the numbers are closer to 10,” Hale said. “When the hospital finds living quarters for these homeless veterans, they have to provide for the basic needs of a household and that’s a big expense, especially when they are trying to assist several veterans. We saw a real need and our post and its auxiliary wanted to respond to that need.”

Hale said Post 70 and the post auxiliary is in the process of collecting four baskets of household items for homes for veterans in need.

“For each basket, we need table dishes, including cups and silverware,” Hale said. “We want to include in each basket a dish drainer, dish towels, pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils.”

The list of needs also includes blankets, wash cloths, bath towels, flat sheets, pillows and pillow cases.

“The towels and linens should be new but the dishes and pots and pans could be used items but they should be something that the donor would eat out of,” Hale said. “Items including mops, brooms washing powder, dish washing detergent and bath soap are also needed.

“Those who don’t have items to help fill the baskets but would like to contribute may donate money and the unit will purchase items for the baskets.”

Donations would be appreciated as soon as possible because the need is immediate.

“We would like to be able to pack and deliver all four baskets by July,” Hale said. “The administration at the veterans’ hospital is very appreciative of our efforts to help stock the homes for homeless veterans. There are more of these veterans than people know. We need the of the community with this project and Troy and Pike County are always generous with their giving.”

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.