Drive brings in 7,861 coats for area veterans

Effort sponsored by Libertyville Sunrise Rotary, Zengeler Cleaners

NORTHBROOK – Lake County communities responded in record numbers for the annual “Coats for Vets” drive sponsored by Libertyville Sunrise Rotary and Zengeler Cleaners.

This year’s collection drive netted 7,861 coats and jackets, as well as hundreds of winter necessities, such as gloves, scarves and other seasonal clothing in support of local veterans. The items were collected from mid-October through Nov. 11 – Veterans Day – then inspected, cleaned and delivered to the North Chicago VA Hospital by Zengeler Cleaners.

“Veterans Day is a time set aside to give a grateful nation an opportunity each year to recognize and honor our veterans,” said Tom Zengeler, president of Zengeler Cleaners. “It’s been well-documented that vets returning from active duty face myriad serious challenges as they readjust to civilian life, perhaps none more challenging than finding a productive job that matches their skills. Too often, jobs held before leaving to serve are no longer available, making it very difficult to find meaningful work.”

Libertyville Rotary Sunrise, Zengeler Cleaners, its customers and other concerned citizens contribute to “Coats for Vets” as a way to thank veterans for their sacrifices.

Zengeler Cleaners’ two Libertyville stores served as drop-off locations for the donations. After the items were collected, the Zengeler staff inspected, repaired if needed and cleaned each donated item. Zengeler Cleaners delivered the clothing for distribution by the VA Hospital.

“Our staff was blown away by the results of this year’s collection drive,” Zengeler said. “The volume really drove home the message about just how much our customers and neighbors care about the country’s veterans.”

Shaw Local News Network

Shaw Local News Network

Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois