Ohio Elks Helping Veterans

Ohio Elks VAVS Representation, Becky Underhill, used a $1,000 Boost Grant from the Elks National Service Commission to help the veterans at Columbus, Ohio’s Chalmers P. Wylie Care Center.

Pictured from left: Ohio Elks VAVS Rep Becky Underhill and Chalmers Wylie Care Center Volunteer Services employees Steve Schruers and Shedrick Siler.

Chalmers Wylie Care Center is an Ambulatory Care Center meaning the vets do not stay there overnight. It can be a little tricky using funds at this facility, but by looking at the hospitals “Wish List” Becky was able to find the items needed to most.

Around 100 of the veterans using the Care Center live in an assisted living facility called The Commons. A portion of the grant was used to purchase items such as Coffee, food, toiletries, and laundry soap.

Another part of the grant was used to purchase protein drinks, like Ensure, for the patients receiving treatment from the Oncology Department.

The last part of the grant was used to buy duffle bags, Walmart gift cards, and bus passes for the homeless veterans. The vets will buy underwear, clothes, and food with the gift cards and the bus passes will be used to get the vets to and from their doctors’ appointments at the Care Center.

Each department receiving the items were very thankful for the help as donations have been limited since the pandemic.