Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is partnering with the Salem VA Medical Center’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans and Community Employment Program for the “Bikes for Vets” Campaign. This first time partnership will collect and distribute new or gently used bicycles to Veterans that have limited resources available for transportation to get to work or allow them to seek employment.
The collection of bikes for the “Bikes for Vets” Campaign is taking place from April 2nd through April 30th. The public interested in donating to the campaign should drop off bicycles at the Goodwill store located at 1493 East Main Street in Salem. Donation hours are Monday through Saturday from 8am – 8pm and Sunday from 12pm – 6pm. Donors must designate that they would like the bike to be included in the “Bikes for Vets” Campaign. Bicycles for the campaign cannot be accepted at other Goodwill stores in the area; the Salem location near Lakeside is the only donation location for this campaign.
“This partnership between Goodwill and Salem VA Medical Center is a perfect example of the way that community partners are able to contribute to the goal of ending homelessness among Veterans,” said Rebecca Stackhouse, Director for Salem VA Medical Center. “By teaming up,” she added, “Goodwill is providing a way for Veterans that have barriers to transportation to get to work and around town.”
“We are excited to be a part of the ‘Bikes for Vets’ campaign,” stated Mary Ann Gilmer, Vice President of Mission Services for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. “Goodwill’s mission is to help individuals overcome barriers to success so they can find work, a better job, or greater independence. This campaign has that same goal and we are proud to play a role in helping our veterans who are in need of assistance.”
Bikes collected through the “Bikes for Vets” Campaign will be distributed to Veterans in need at the Salem VA Medical Center’s VA2K Awareness walk for homeless Veterans on May 16th.
