Local thrift store donates mobile home to local Veteran
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A local thrift store donated a mobile home to a local Veteran.
The Hands Extended Thrift Store has donated a mobile home to Dale Ogren, a local Veteran of the Vietnam War.
He says this gift comes at a much-needed time for him.
"You just can't ask for much more…I've been broken down for quite a while. I got new knees, and new hips, and I have a problem with the bottom of my feet, the bones are weak bones, hollow bones," says Olgren.
Ogren is part of the Right Turn for Yuma Veterans, a transitional housing program for homeless or at-risk veterans.
The program director says donations like these are extremely gratifying.
"A lot of our veterans are really struggling in our community right now and when we get a gift like this, it not only gives them hope, it gives us people that are working with the veterans hope," says Rudy Gonzalez.
The home is equipped with brand-new appliances and furniture donated to the thrift store.
Sherry Whitworth, Owner of Extended Hands Thrift Store, says it's the community that deserves a thank you.
"We've got a bird feeder in there and we've got drinking glasses, dishes, silverware, and a microwave that's come in from the community to help Dale with his new home," says Whitworth.
She tells me the Right Turn for Yuma Veterans is her favorite Veterans organization in town.
She says, "They vet their people very well, they give them time for medical, employment, and educational issues. So, it is easy for us to reach out and give to those people."
Right Turn for Yuma Veterans adds that donations, small and large, mean a great deal to these former soldiers.
"If it's some clothes or toys for the kids, or whatever she donates to us, that makes a difference in people's lives and it shows them that somebody cares about them and it gives them hope to face another day," says Gonzalez.
Despite experiencing a fire several months ago that damaged almost all of the thrift store's inventory, Sherry shares advice to those who have seen better days.
"Never give up because there is always someone out there willing to help," she adds.
The Right Turn for Yuma Veterans says they'll continue to look after the veteran and assist him throughout his transition.
