Back in September of 2007, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A. made a commitment to the Vietnam Veterans Alliance to collaborate in a fundraising program named in memory of Michael F. Manning, past Director of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.
The affiliate, the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund, renamed its Coin Can Donation Program, "The Michael Manning National Veterans Program," as a tribute to the long-time director of the Elks National Veterans Service Department who died July 22, 2007. Mike had worked with the organization in setting up the program, which will feature coin cans in every Elks lodge and in other locations.
Calling Mike "truly a great leader in the veterans' community," John Rowan, national president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, said: "It was with Michael's great enthusiasm for veterans that this program exists as a partnership between the Elks and the VVA."
The program now underway and will benefit all veterans, all across America. VVA provides counseling and legal assistance to homeless veterans, female veterans, and the increasing number of young veterans returning home from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These young heroes often need assistance obtaining their deserved benefits and returning to a normal life as civilians. Money raised in this effort will aid veterans as they deal with health issues, homeless services, and transitioning programs.
How the program works
Each Lodge has, or will receive 16-32 canisters, along with a set of instructions and forms for documenting the collection of funds. We are asking each Lodge to find a few dedicated Elks to work this program, which will last only until July 31 of 2009. We suggest that 8-16 canisters be placed in public locations; such as convenience stores, barbershops, local businesses, or any other locations deemed appropriate. These should be replaced with an empty canister at one-month intervals. This gives you a rotating replacement for all of the 8-16 locations. A canister could also be placed in the Lodge club/lounge area. Another suggestion is a canister drive on a street corner, in a Shopping Mall or in a Supermarket.
One of the important things we want to stress is the fact that the funds collected are from the general public and should not interfere with any of a Lodge’s existing funds or programs.
This program will take only dedication and a sincere effort until July 31 of 2009. We are asking all Lodges to participate, not only in the name of a Great Elk, but in a renewed dedication to assist our nation’s heroes as specified in our motto.
If you require additional canisters or deposit envelopes, please contact Brian Foley at the address below. There is no charge for the canisters or envelopes.
Brian Foley
Director, Business Development
Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund
Michael Manning National Veterans Program
Phone: 646-808-7493
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