Lakeport >> United Veterans Council of Lake County, Inc. (UVCLC) is sponsoring the third annual Lake-Mendocino Stand Down/Veterans Resource Fair Wednesday and Thursday.
The stand down, being organized by Lake County Vet Connect, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport.
Vietnam Veterans of California in San Diego introduced the stand down concept in 1988 as a way to help veterans in need. Since then, similar free stand down events have been held regularly in cities all over the country to provide food, clothing, services and referrals to homeless and at-risk veterans. The Lake-Mendocino Stand Down will also have resources available to veterans who are not homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The stand down/resource fair event held last year in Clearlake hosted 157 veterans and offered a variety of services, assistance and information provided by more than 30 agencies and organizations.
This year’s stand down will offer access to on-site medical and dental services, enrollment in health care and supplemental nutrition programs, as well as other programs relating to educational, employment and food resource issues that are important to veterans.
Organizers are again seeking volunteers to assist with the event. Volunteers will assist in capacities including helping to set up and tear down the venue, staging and issuing materials and supplies to the veterans and preparing food.
To donate financial assistance or volunteer to assist with this event, contact Frank Parker, UVCLC vice president, at (707) 274-9512, email: parkerhouse@mchsi.com or Alice Watkins, Mendocino County Veterans Services Office, (707) 463-4226, email: mendovets@co.mendocino.ca.us.
