Hoarding Hits Local Veterans Struggling For Supplies
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — As people continue stockpiling, facilities that help veterans in need are scrambling for the basics.
Jared Dannenberger, an Iraq War veteran, signed up to serve and protect. Now veterans like him at the Sacramento Veterans Resource Center of America need their own protection in the fight to curb the spread of COVID-19. Facilities are running low on hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and basic hygiene items.
"I mean donations are always welcome, hand sanitizer, hygiene," said Dannenberger.
"Soaps, towels things like that you know, we'd be very grateful," said Vietnam-era veteran Vincent Craft.
Employees keep hitting empty shelves from store to store and have even tried getting things online.
"It's been complicated, to say the least. I know at Sam's Club we're not allowed to buy more than two items, and two packs of laundry pods for 57 people just isn't going to cut it," said Residential Programs Manager Amy Childers.
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Most of the vets are recovering from PTSD, drug and alcohol abuse, and homelessness and need any support they can get. Add tight quarters and a COVID-19 lockdown, and that can take a toll on an already vulnerable population.
"The longer this goes, I feel like even the strongest of everybody, mental health is being tested right now," said Childers.
The vets here consider each other as family, but they know others aren't as fortunate as they are, and after serving on the front lines, they only hope a pandemic doesn't leave them on the back burner.
While they are thankful for any donations, the Sacramento Veterans Resource Center of America is asking for financial donations through their website during the COVID-19 outbreak.
