When the idea of teaching students about helping others was introduced as a food drive for veterans, Anna Cappelluti at the Rutherford Kindergarten Center contacted the local American Legion post. The commander of Post 109 listened to the proposal and suggested a county veterans housing area in Emerson, N.J.
The housing in Emerson was built on land made available by local Post 269. The Bergen County Housing Authority has established housing for 14 disabled veterans on that land. Longtime Commander John Hogen of Post 269 and John Biale of the Housing Authority, himself a Legionnaire of Post 369 in Oakland, N.J., were instrumental in the project. The Post 109 commander contacted Hogen and suggested they collaborate.
As the days grew closer to Thanksgiving Jim DeLuise, a Navy veteran and Elks member, contacted Post 109 to see if they had any outreach initiatives they could support. The two discussed the food drive and the current government shutdown. The Rutherford Elks could donate ShopRite gift cards to go along with the collection.
Post 109 picked up the food and gift cards. On the day of the delivery Posts 109, 269 and the department were on site with the County Housing Authority to distribute. The 14 veterans each received a $50 gift card and a large amount of shelf-stable food for their individual homes as well as more for a common pantry.
At a time when the government shutdown affected benefits of these veterans, an initiative in a kindergarten, the network of the Legion and their relationship with the local Elks brought much needed resources exactly where they belong. A community without boundaries. Veterans helping veterans.