By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD - In an alliance with the Volunteers of America Shelter in Cocoa, Brevard-based company Two Men and a Truck launched the "Movers for Military" program in Brevard County.
The unique program is designed to aid homeless veterans throughout the county.
Two Men and a Truck, the largest-franchised moving company in North America, is accepting donations, such as household items, clothing, toiletries and appliances to be delivered to the Cocoa-based shelter.
"We want to try and provide support to the men and women who have fought for our country," said Brenda Vanantwerp, co-owner of Brevard's Two Men and a Truck. "We also hope to bring more awareness to the growing problem of homeless veterans. I was shocked when I realized that there are nearly 67,000 homeless vets across the country, and 19,000 are in Florida."
This is the first year the company has hosted the "Movers for Military" program, but the company said it hopes to lay the foundation for annual program.
Mrs. Vanantwerp said she hopes the program will provide critical assistance to the vets living at the Volunteers of America Brevard Shelter, including the donations of washers and dryers.
"Right now they have about 80 veterans living in the facility, with only three washers and dryers that are constantly breaking down," she said. "There is always a need for any appliance."
Mrs. Vanantwerp said the program will feature designated donation boxes at DeLaura Middle School, and other areas throughout the county.
Volunteers of America of Florida is recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for its contributions to homeless veterans. The organization offers more than 400 homeless veterans a place to call home, with services that promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle and a spiritual sense of well-being.
Two Men and a Truck started in the 1980s in Okemos, Mich., as a way for two brothers in high school to earn extra money. It now has more than 1,200 trucks on the road.
For more information about the "Movers for Military" program, contact (321) 242-7742.