Food boxes go to veterans, families in need.
Five hundred food boxes were distributed Monday, June 29, 2020 to veterans and families in need, thanks to a partnership between Chapter #9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, The Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition (MDVC), the American Legion, Department of Michigan, and the Gleaners Food Bank of Michigan.
The food giveaway took place in the parking lot of 2951 Woodward in Detroit—the former home for VVA #9—and continued until all the boxes were distributed. More than 40 volunteers, including VVA 9’s President Paul Palazzolo, members Phil Harrison and Gudrun Hite, helped with set-up, loading cars with food and guiding traffic.
“We know that many of our veterans and families are struggling with basic needs as a result of COVID- 19,” Palazzolo explained. “This was one way to help.” VVA#9 also recently overhauled its website to make it easier to navigate. The new design offers VVA#9’s programs and history and also links to other organizations that benefit veterans. The updated site is
more user-friendly with streamlined forms for veterans and clearer ways to find information.
Michigan has more than 200,000 Vietnam-era veterans, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics and the U.S. Census, making it the largest veterans group in Michigan.
