As of January, United States Daughters of the War of 1812 have delivered 118 pairs of men’s denim jeans for veterans receiving treatment at St. Francis House as well as the VA medical centers in Little Rock and North Little Rock.
Advised of the critical and ongoing need for men’s blue jeans, the members have been delivering jeans about twice a month to the facility. The donations have been made possible by the Arkansas Society United States Daughters of the War of 1812, the Hot Springs Village and Mount Ida communities and members’ donations, according to a news release.
Members frequently shop thrift stores in the area for gently used men’s jeans. The jeans are freshly laundered before delivery and are given to indigent veterans who visit the hospital for needed medical care, and homeless veterans.
Men’s pants not made of denim are not suitable for sleeping on the streets. Other items of critical need are men’s coats/jackets, shoes, new underwear and toiletries.
It is estimated USD 1812 has delivered more than 2,000 pairs of jeans over the last six years.
Arkansas Society War of 1812 President Eugene Smith of Clinton presents a monetary donation to Sheila Beatty of Hot Springs Village, USD 1812 Vice President Kimberley Stout of Little Rock, and Baseline Meridian Chapter President Pat McLemore of Mount Ida. (Special to The Commercial)