<\/p>\n
As team members of the non-profit organization Embracing Our Veterans, Mike and Pat Case are dedicated to helping service members in need.<\/p>\n
“I think it’s a wonderful vocation from God to serve the needy,” said Pat Case. \u00a0“They (veterans) need to know that they are loved and that we appreciate what they have done, and so this is our way of giving back.”<\/p>\n
The organization works with the Erie VA Medical Center to help veterans who are transitioning from homelessness.<\/p>\n
They provide veterans with household items, like furniture and beds.<\/p>\n
“The problem we deal with is contacting the veterans who need help, who have been approved and getting them straightened out.” said Mike Case.<\/p>\n
However, the box truck they use to make donation deliveries has been experiencing major issues.<\/p>\n
“This is the second major breakdown since January,” said Pat Case. \u00a0“I know the body work alone was over $2,000.”<\/p>\n
The truck’s repairs are draining the organization’s funds.<\/p>\n
“It’s an old truck,” said Pat Case. \u00a0“It’s 2014, and so that’s where…a big chunk of our money is going into the truck.”<\/p>\n
The non-profit is hoping for additional donations from the community to help keep their truck up and running.<\/p>\n
“We appreciate anything, because that’s more than we have,” said Pat Case. \u00a0“It’s just that this has been such a hard hit to our finances. \u00a0We can’t keep on going like this.”<\/p>\n
Monetary donations can be dropped off at Butch’s Place Family Restaurant at 3330 W. 26th Street.<\/p>\n