General Needs celebrates Veterans’ Day each year by putting themselves to work. This coming holiday, the nonprofit organization will be conducting their annual 1342 Mission Boot Project, where they travel from Maine to Washington, D.C. distributing at least 1,342 boots. This project is named for the number of Veterans who commit suicide daily. Their travels take them approximately 61 days of November and December to complete, supplying needs to Veterans across over 12 states.
Based in East Northport, General Needs (GN) is a volunteer, non-profit that serves struggling or unhoused Veterans with basic, daily-living needs. From one man’s desire to help his community, to a community’s desire to help their heroes, GN was formed with duty, honor and country at heart.
“Doesn’t everybody like to open a fresh, new bag of underwear?”
Lonnie Sherman, co-founder of GN alongside his wife Susan, began their endeavors in 2008 by providing basic undergarments four times a year to VA Veterans. For this, Sherman first became known as ‘The Underwear Man,’ but soon became much more.
With the support of friends and family, the Shermans were able to donate enough items for 40-45 Veterans at a time, and thus, the foundation for GN’s growth was laid.
In 2015, GN became recognized as an official non-profit, and promptly began taking in donations from the community at large. Local volunteers and partnering agencies allowed GN to supply more than just underwear. Socks, appropriate footwear, clothing, blankets, and toiletries are needed just as much.
Knowing that basic needs go deeper than everyday items, GN began other life-changing projects that last a lot longer than a pair of socks.
The Back-to-Work Project provides work uniforms and needed tools for Veterans to take up apprenticeship or entry-level positions in the construction job market. This takes some of the financial burden off of getting a new job, which can make or break someone’s employment status.
The Welcome Home Project helps Veterans and their families with home transitions. GN provides beds, small appliances, bathroom or dining sets and linens. They aid with delivery and installation if needed, as well.
What seem like small, basic items, can save a Veteran’s life. “You can’t find a job if you don’t have decent clothing and shoes. We’ve seen that a simple winter jacket and boots can serve as job catalysts. Many of our vets start with physical work such as snow clearance. They can’t do it without those two basics,” General Needs added in a statement issued to the press.
The organization is truly a community-spirited effort, as GN works with a wide variety of Long Island businesses, organizations and schools. Commack School District’s Special Education program volunteers weekly. Students help pack up supplies for the 1342 Mission and Distributions with Dignity Project, receiving imperative life skills in exchange for community service credits.
To support General Needs and help them grow into their business plans of much-needed job education and group homes for Veterans, visit www.generalneeds.org, where you donate or sign up to volunteer.
Visit their Facebook page to share their wonderful mission as well: www.facebook.com/generalneeds.
