Gayle Anderson was live in Costa Mesa for the preparations connected with Tuesday’s VETERANS DAY FOOD DRIVE.
In honor of Veterans Day, California’s unions are standing together to celebrate our nation’s heroes as part of the statewide, “Veterans + Labor – Partners in Service” project. Union members, led by the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA), and veterans have teamed up to complete service projects, including a USS Iowa Clean-Up this past Saturday, to commemorate the legacy of veterans and active servicemen and women.
Today, OCEA volunteers are preparing for a FOOD DRIVE FOR VETERANS, which will be held Tuesday, November 11th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the OC Fair & Event Center. Say, “Thanks a ton!” to veterans by bringing your donation to help raise more than 2,000 lbs. in food and supplies for local veterans and families in need at the FREE Veterans Day Community Celebration.
Requested donations include:
- Canned and instant soups, pastas, and canned fruits and vegetables
- Ethnic foods (Hispanic, Asian, etc.)
- Foods that require low heat or no heat for homeless families
- Special needs foods, including low-sugar, no-salt, no-cholesterol, gluten-free, etc.
- Money/gift cards to purchase food
- Baby items, including baby food, diapers, clothing, bottles, etc.
- Non-toxic household supplies, including toothpaste, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, etc.
Our nation’s food pantries currently serve 620,000 military families annually, according to the “Hunger in America” study. In Orange County, 1 in 5 residents face hunger and up to 20% of local veterans are homeless. Today’s food drive will help these veterans and families in need.
The FREE Veterans Day Community Celebration at the OC Fair & Event Center will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11th. This celebration includes live music and entertainment, FREE hot dogs, the Korean War Medal of Honor stamp unveiling, a motorcycle ride, historic military vehicles, and activities for kids. There will also be a veterans resource fair, job access for veterans, and care packages and holiday cards.
FREE Veterans Day Community Celebration Program:
10 a.m. Swing Cats Big Band & Dancers
11 a.m. Opening Ceremony with special performances
Noon Arrival of Motorcycle Run participants from Orange County
Labor Federation
12:30 p.m. “Turn the Page” – Bob Seger Tribute Band
2 p.m. Korean War Medal of Honor Stamp Ceremony
2:45 p.m. Retiring of the Colors
“Veterans + Labor – Partners in Service” was launched in 2013 to provide support for our nation’s veterans. Led by California’s unions, workers bring the community together to say “thank you” to our nation’s heroes by providing volunteer service, opening doors to good jobs and sponsoring a special Veterans Day event to honor our heroes for their service. For more information, click HERE.
The Orange County Employees Association (OCEA) is the largest independent public-employee labor union in Orange County, California. OCEA represents nearly 18,000 public employees in their collective bargaining with public agencies. Founded in 1937, OCEA is directly responsible for many of the benefits negotiated by public employees throughout the County of Orange, and the commitment of our members has gained recognition throughout the state. For more information, click HERE.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
FOOD DRIVE FOR VETERANS & FREE VETERANS DAY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 835-3355
Orange County Employees Association
830 North Ross Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 835-3355
If you have questions, please feel free to call Gayle Anderson at 323-460-5732 or e-mail Gayle at Gayle.Anderson@KTLA.com
