Veterans seeking resources such as free healthcare screenings, employment assistance, clothing, and crisis counseling can attend the annual Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 25, at Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 S. Thornburg St.
The 13th annual event is designed primarily for homeless and at-risk veterans, and is limited to the first 500 veterans, legal spouses and dependent children younger than 18 years.
Applications for veterans who want to attend the Stand Down are available at the Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down website, or by calling Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s office, 805-346-8402.
The Stand Down was created to provide veterans in need with a variety of resources, including food, haircuts, clothing, gear such as boots, tents and blankets, resume assistance, showers, educational resources, legal guidance, chaplain services, and readjustment counseling.
Among the new service providers this year are the Coachella Valley Recovery Center, Vandenberg Space Force Base Education Department, New Dawn Treatment Center, ATT, SESLOC and special assistance for homeless veterans.
Donations are still needed to aid male and female veterans, including new socks, new sweatpants and sweatshirts, short or long-sleeved t-shirts, bath towels and hand towels, underwear and jeans.
Organizers are also seeking handle bags and tote bags, large trash bags, large plastic storage bins with tops, and new sheets and blankets.
Donors cam select needed items at Walmart.com and have them delivered directly to Stand Down. Follow directions under the sponsors/donations tab at www.sbcountystanddown.com to select from dozens of items needed by veterans.
Donations of gift cards are appreciated as well and will be used to fill unmet needs for the day of the event.
Among the services offered this year is the Pet Zone where veterans may bring small pets to for vaccinations and grooming.
Dogs heavier than 40 pounds will be required to have their own handler. Special transportation will not be available for veterans with pets.
The Pet Zone is in need of donations, including 4-foot and 6-foot leashes, and small bags of dog and cat food.
Stand Down organizers are also in need of any barbers or hairstylists willing to donate time the day of the event. If you are a licensed barber or stylist who can donate time, call Sandy Agalos, 805-346-8402.
Financial donations may also be sent to the Stand Down at the Good Samaritan Shelter, P.O. Box 5908, Santa Maria, CA 93456 with the notation that funds are for the “SB County Veterans Stand Down.” Tax identification number is 77-0133375.