Central Florida “Vets for Vets” Conduct Holiday Relief Effort for Area Veterans and their Families

ORLANDO –A grassroots group that recently organized to offer assistance to local veterans has started “Operation Holiday Relief,” an effort to collect food, clothing and toys for veterans and their families who are struggling during the downturned economy.

Central Florida Vets for Vets, a group of veterans who meet weekly at the Orlando Vet Center in downtown Orlando, are accepting donations through Dec. 15, according to John Johanson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who helped organize the group.

“We’re collecting items that will be helpful in giving disadvantaged veterans and their families a holiday season where they know they’re appreciated,” said Johanson, who works with Rafiq Raza, a UCF graduate student and U.S. Army veteran who serves as an outreach specialist for the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Orlando Vet Center.

“Through this gesture, and other assistance, we can spread the word that there is support available to help them get back on track,” Johanson said.

Items accepted include non-perishable food, clothing, toys, baby supplies, personal hygiene products, and gift cards. Monetary donations cannot be accepted Johanson said, because Central Florida Vets for Vets has not yet received a non-profit status.

Johanson said the weekly meetings are designed to assemble a collective source of information that will help veterans through a multitude of issues, including finding jobs and homes, navigating VA programs and benefits, fixing relationships and dealing with post-deployment stress.

For more information about Central Florida Vets for Vets or their holiday drive, contact Johanson at 757-771-0598 or Raza at 407-857-2800.