SouthCoast Veterans Need Essential Items, Here's How to Help

A nonprofit organization based in Dartmouth is teaming up with the Veterans Association of Bristol County to collect as many backpacks as possible in order to help out local veterans with everyday essentials.

Rucking for Veterans is proud to help its community, and is encouraging the SouthCoast to lend a helping hand.

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What Is Rucking for Veterans?

Rucking for Veterans is a nonprofit organization created by Dartmouth resident Jason Ray that aims to provide assistance to local veterans.

“Our goal is to get the word out in the community about the importance of mental health for our veterans and bring awareness to veteran suicide rates,” said Ray’s wife, Genevieve. “We want to be a resource for veterans to be able to direct them to programs that could be beneficial to them.”

After serving in the army, Ray has become very passionate about the well-being of veterans in his community.

About 12 years ago, his neighbor and fellow veteran took his own life.

“It threw him for a loop and it was the driving force to form this (nonprofit),” said Genevieve.

Rucking for Veterans Teams Up with Veterans Association of Bristol County

The Ray family and their team are constantly looking for ways to get involved in the community and give back to local veterans. While they have participated in raising funds for national organizations like Mission 22, their passion is to give funds to the veterans in our neighborhoods.

When they heard that the Veterans Association was looking for backpacks, they jumped right in.

“Working with the association is one of those groups that is on our list and whenever we can, we like to help,” said Genvieve.

How to Help Veterans on the SouthCoast

The Veterans Association of Bristol County and Rucking for Veterans are looking for new or gently used backpacks for homeless veterans. They need to be sturdy enough to hold essential items, like socks, wipes, soap, facecloths, t-shirts, deodorant, and snacks. Essential item donations are also welcomed.

“People can drop them off at the association on Pine Street during business hours or we can arrange to pick them up locally in Dartmouth or Westport,” said Genvieve.

Our veterans need us, and this is a great way to give back to a selfless group of individuals.

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