ADAMS -- Resident Jeffrey Lefebvre began his 10th annual clothing drive to support homeless veterans on Sunday, Oct. 14, and already has 35 boxes of clothing to show for the effort.
For a decade, Lefebvre has supplied boxes upon boxes of locally gathered clothing to Soldier On, a nonprofit organization based in Leeds that is dedicated to helping homeless veterans.
"People have been very generous," Lefebvre said Saturday. "Every year, I’m amazed by how good they are."
Numbers are up at the Leeds shelter, Lefebvre said, with Soldier On’s Vice President of Operations Steve Lawson estimating a figure of more than 270 residents. Additionally, the average age of these veterans has dropped, likely caused by higher numbers of returning veterans from the Middle East.
Donors can visit Town Hall or the Registry of Deeds on Park Street, Lefebvre’s drop-off locations.
Lefebvre’s ninth clothing drive ended in December last year with a grand tally of 539 boxes, personally packed and delivered to Leeds. The results bested Lefebvre’s former high of 373.
Lefebvre expects this year’s drive to continue into December. All are welcome to contact Lefebvre at 413-743-5175 or Anne Morin at 413-743-4111 to make a donation.
"I’ll keep it going until I can’t, basically," Lefebvre said. "Or until there’s no need. That’s the ideal situation."
-- Phil Demers
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