FAIRFIELD — Fairfield City Clerk Joy Messer is on a mission. She’s not collecting food, money or toys. It is something most of us take for granted because, like so much in life, it is in abundance.
But for homeless veterens in need, something as simple as a pair of blue jeans can make a huge difference. Messer has less than a week to collect more than 250 pair of blue jeans to benefit homeless veterens all over the country.
With our national collective attention on veterens and soldiers in action on the field of war, it is a little known fact that there is an epidemic of homelessness among our veterans, Messer said.
“I had no idea there was a problem of homelessness among our veterens. No one every hears about this. This problem is unbelievable,” she said.
Messer is a home style specialist with “At Home America,” a direct-selling company of home decor.
“This company is very very passionate about homeless veterans,” she said.
Two sisters own the company and several months ago they attended an event in Chicago called “Stand Down,” to help distribute supplies collected exclusively for homeless veterens.
Co-owner Lisa Brandeau told Messer that of all the piles of offerings, including coats, jackets and shoes, it was the blue jeans that flew out of the tent the quickest.
“When Brandeau told me she would never get over the look on the faces of the veterans that made it to the tent too late to collect their blue jeans ... it broke her heart,” said Messer.
Inspired by her story and the challenge Brandeau made to her specialists to collect as many blue jeans as possible, Messer created a goal to collect 250 pairs of jeans by Sept. 21.
The owners of At Home America will be in Ankeny on Sept. 22 to collect the blue jeans so Messer wants all donations to her by Thursday. Messer is looking for “gently worn” or new jeans of all sizes.
Donations can be dropped off at the Fairfield City Hall or by calling her at (641) 472-6193 or via e-mail: joy@fairfieldcityhall.com.
Messer said like most people, she had no idea there was such a problem with veterans and homelessness, particularly Vietnam veterens.
“It is just so sad to think that these men ... boys ... who fought to protect us are living on the streets. I just can’t imagine it. There shouldn’t be such a thing ... at all,” she said.
Erika Richards can be reached via email at erika@lisco.com
Local News
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