For the second year in a row, the School of Nursing was recognized by UConn’s Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs for collecting the most donations to the 7th Annual Homeless Veteran Care Package Drive.

The school’s team – “Nursing Our Veterans” – worked from November 4 to December 6, 2019, to collect items to be donated to organizations that provide housing, training, job placement, and other services to the homeless and those in need, with a focus on veterans. Items collected included hygiene items, household supplies, clothing, and food items.

Led by staff members, the entire School of Nursing community – including staff, faculty, and students – contributed to the effort. Administrative Services Assistant Jaime Chase, Administrative Services Specialist Linda Carlin, and Financial Assistants Jill Reinhard and Sarah Virkler accepted the award on behalf of the school at the full faculty meeting held on February 10 in the Wilbur Cross North Reading Room.

“I’m incredibly proud of our school for the outpouring of enthusiasm and support that everyone displayed last year on behalf of our local veterans in need,” said School of Nursing Dean Deborah Chyun. “Our staff are already thinking of new ways to engage with our School of Nursing community to support the veterans’ drive again this coming fall.”

Donations to this year’s Veterans Care Package Drive benefitted Homes for the Brave, an organization based in Bridgeport, Conn., that provides housing and services necessary to help individuals return to a productive and meaningful life; and South Park Inn, a Hartford, Conn., organization that assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness and, in particular, works to identify and assist veterans experiencing homelessness.