Jeanine Rivard - Chairperson of the Veterans CommitteeHello Fellow ElksMy name is Jeanine Rivard and I'm currently Chairperson ofthe Veterans Committee. We hope to plan some new & excitingthings for our Veterans this year!!It is my pleasure to announce the start of the Coin Can Donation Program. This is part of the "Army of Hope" program,teaming up with the Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund (VVAF), in a national initiative to raise funds to assist soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Proceeds from this program will help benefit veterans in healthcare, homelessness issues, and a smooth transition back to civilian life.The VVAF is renaming its Coin Can Donation Program to the"Michael Manning National Veterans Program", as a tribute to Michael, who directed the National Veterans Service Commission for over 14 years. Sadly, Mike passed away on July 22, 2007. Mike had worked with the organization in setting up the program, in which it would be an honor for every Elk to participate in his memory.We REALLY need your help in distributing these Coin Cans -they can be placed in your local "mom and pop" stores, delis, restaurants, etc.. Each volunteer is asked to pick up the money earned in their can on a monthly or bi-weekly basis.So please contact me via email at jeaninehome@comcast.net or at 636-0272, or you may contact Diane Rowe at 833-0956 for further information - any support you can provide in this worthwhile effort would be very much appreciated! Thank You!