MIDDLEBORO — Middleboro Elks worked with its members and community residents to supply 85 new, waterproof, high-quality suitcases to veterans facing homelessness.

The lodge purchased the waterproof, wheeled suitcases, and 21 items to fill the suitcases with, for veterans in need. 

The Raynham Staples store allowed the Elks to purchase the suitcases at their bulk wholesale price, and to print personalized thank you cards, which were signed by volunteers, and included in every suitcase. The custom thank you cards were provided for each veteran and were signed by various volunteers, including one 6-year-old child and his 3-year-old brother. 

More than 40 people of all ages gathered March 27 to help assemble the suitcases for the veterans in need.

Supplies provided in each suitcase included basics like razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes with covers, toothpaste, deodorant, heavy duty personal care wipes, fingernail clippers, shampoo, and conditioner. Upon suggestions from some local veterans the suitcases also included 95% body heat retaining space blankets, large refillable water bottles, first aid kits, sewing kits, and non-battery crank style flashlights.

The Brockton VA sent a large bus to pick up the suitcases. Many of the suitcases have already been distributed to veterans facing homelessness. The Middleboro Elks  intends to seek grants or other funding to renew this project, based on the significant number of veterans who need these supplies and how successful this project was.

Middleboro Elks Veterans co-chairs Dick Tinkham and Laura O’Connor were grateful for all the support.