JEFFERSON PARK — A citywide effort to collect household items to help formerly homeless veterans find permanent housing is underway, Chicago officials said.
Throughout June, residents can drop off new, store bought products to be donated to veterans who used to be homeless at any ward office and 20 park district locations, including Norwood Park, 5861 N. Natoma Ave., and Shabbona Park, 6935 W. Addison St., as part of Operation Help A Hero.
"Operation Help-A-Hero gives each of us an opportunity to give back to our brave veterans and ensure that they have the supports they need and a safe place to call home," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.
Items that can be donated include new personal hygiene, kitchen, bathroom and cleaning items, organizers said.
The collection drive is part of Emanuel's effort to end long-term homelessness among veterans, according to a statement from the mayor's office.
A DNAinfo Chicago investigation found it is unclear whether that goal has been achieved.
Earlier this year, Emanuel began requiring 311 operators to ask callers whether they are veterans and tapped Victor LaGroon to lead the city's Veterans Affairs Office.
A list of the most frequently requested items is available at cityofchicago.org/
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