LEXINGTON, KY – Goodwill Industries of Kentucky donated $30,000 in vouchers to the Lexington VA Health Care System [Lexington VAHCS] in January, bringing its donation total to the facility to more than $80,000 in just under three years.
The partnership between the two organizations began in 2019, and Goodwill donates tens of thousands of dollars every year in $10 voucher increments. VAHCS social workers issue the Goodwill vouchers to veterans in need of clothing and other household items.
The vouchers are an invaluable resource for veterans across the bluegrass, especially those in the Homeless Program, which works to house veterans and ensure they stay housed.
Lauren Deitering, manager of marketing and public relations for Goodwill, said, “Goodwill’s mission is to offer a hand up to vulnerable and underserved populations, and to do so, we strategically partner with hundreds of organizations statewide. Our partnership with Lexington VAHSC is a natural fit, and we are honored to give back to the same community that supports us by shopping and donating at our stores.”
John Scott, Lexington VAHCS social worker, added, “When a veteran gets housing, they need so much more – clothing, linens, maybe a coffee pot, but especially furniture. Goodwill is in so many locations across Kentucky and has so many things, so veterans can find what they need.”
U.S. Air Force and Army Veteran Jennifer Neri started receiving care at Lexington VAHCS in 2018 and received Goodwill vouchers when she lost everything during her move to Kentucky. Ms. Neri has two children, a son, 15 years old, and a daughter, 8 years old.
“The Goodwill vouchers have helped,” Ms. Neri said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to get some of my furniture, towels, coffee pot, clothing for me and the kids or even presents for Christmas.”