Dear Kossacks: Your help is still needed.
If you are seeing this for the first time, here's a brief intro:
There is a Veteran in Dallas you have helped. His name is Leo. He is married, out of the service a couple of years and a full-time student at a north Dallas College. He and his wife have a toddler, and his wife is blind. They are on food stamps, and the VA is currently evaluating his various disabilities.
His needs are pretty simple. He has no car and the family relies on public transportation. From where they currently live that means a 6 hour roundtrip 5 days a week to get to school. Their lease is up at the end of the month. If they could live within walking distance [or a short bus ride], the stress he currently is under would be reduced dramatically.
Most of you know that I volunteer to work with Veterans who have PTSD. This Veteran is one of those. At one time he was homeless for 6 months. He also has physical problems from a combat injury. Government help [the VA] is on the way. Once the new GI Bill kicks in, they will be OK. In about 3 to 6 months when he gets his disability pay, they will be fine.
Follow me after the jump to see what you can do to help him this weekend.
What the Leo's need:
- Someone who can find them an affordable apartment. Currently they live in a 2 bedroom. Once the new GI Bill kicks in he will get $1,000 a month for living expenses.
DONE
- Once they find the apartment, they will have to put down a security deposit. They don’t have that money, so they will need some of us to step up and either loan them that money or donate it outright. I don’t know how to set that up and need your help in getting that job done.
DONE
- Leo is physically disabled as is Mrs. Leo. They have very minimum possessions. Below is a list of their complete inventory.
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We think about two pickup truck loads will get the job done That was before you decided that the Leo’s deserve a bigger hand up than I requested. I'm guessing 5 with all of the extras you seem determined to donate.
Dallas / Ft. worth Area Kossacks, as I said, I need your help now. We have about 7 3 days to set this up and make it work.
"Get the job done." My Dad – who, by the way, moves to new and temporary home [a rehab facility staffed, it is said, by Nuns too mean to be schoolteachers(OK. I'm making that up)] on Saturday.
What they have.
Living Room
3 part black leather sectional
Tall black Lamp
-27 inch TV- *(it sucks & needs to be replaced with the one sitting in your basement)
Small DVD Player
Small black entertainment center
Smart Cycle
Smart Easel
Computer Desk & Chair
*They need a second Computer Desk & Chair
Digital Drawing Pad
High speed internet router / modem
Small Desk Lamp
Shredder
3 Drawer Filing Cabinet
Vacuum
Kitchen / Laundry
Nothin’ but a Washer & Dryer is worth moving
*They need it all – if you have an old dinette, bring it.
The Leo’s Bedroom
King Sized Bed [It’s new]
They need a chest of drawers
Little Leo’s Room
The bed & other furniture have been donated
Small Child’s Table & 2 Chairs
Tube of Toys
Bag of Giant Legos
SpongeBob Stroller
Trash Can
Clothing Sizes
Little Leo:
Jean: 4-5/T (toddler)
Shirts: 4-5/T
Shoes: 9-10/T
Leo:
Jeans: Waist 32
Legs 32
Shirts: Medium
Shoes: 11
Mrs. Leo:
Jeans: Size 6-7
Small cupped: Teen Shirts
Shoes: 8 ½-9
What's Needed
sele (I love her, but haven't heard from her tonight) provided us with a list what is needed. Fill in the blanks time.