News Releases

BMO HARRIS ASKS YOU TO HELP FLORIDA VETS
Personal Hygiene Items Needed

SARASOTA, FL (October 16, 2012) – Florida is home to the third largest number of veterans in the nation according to the Florida Department of Veteran's Affairs. More than 1.6 million vets claim Florida as their home. That accounts for a whopping 12 percent of the Sunshine State's population for adults 18 and older. While a number of veterans assistance organizations exist, there are still needs not being met.

Just in time for Veteran's Day, BMO Harris Bank is partnering with Jewish Family & Children's Services of Sarasota-Manatee to help out local homeless veterans and their families. Buddy Basket is an outreach program designed by JFCS to help homeless veterans receive basic personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, shampoo, soap, or cleaning supplies. Many Florida veterans are enrolled in some type of cash assistance program such as food stamps or W.I.C.; however, these entitlement programs do not allow individuals and families to purchase basic personal hygiene items.

"We owe a great debt of gratitude to veterans for all they have done to support our country and people around the globe," said Dave Maraman, Florida President, BMO Harris Bank. "We are honored to provide assistance for those veterans who need help with a few basic needs."

Items Needed -
Paper towels, sponges, toilet paper, tissues, liquid hand wash, toothpaste, shampoo, Dial® bar soap, powdered cleanser such as Comet®, and spray cleaner such as Fantastik®.

To donate, drop off items at any BMO Harris Bank in Sarasota and Manatee Counties from October 29 – November 9. Once all of the items are collected, they will be put into individual "buddy baskets" and distributed to veterans and their families who are receiving assistance with permanent housing from JFCS.