RUTLAND,MA. As the first, major Winter Storm of the season hit, most residents were cranking their furnaces up, piling logs into the fireplace and enjoying the view out of their double-pane windows. For Neil Viner the setting and means of keeping warm were drastically different.
For the last 7 years around the holidays, Viner and his wife Michelle have been helping raise awareness (and much needed supplies) for Homeless Veterans in Mass. Many that have served our Country lack the basic necessities to get through the harsh, Winter months. So the proud Rutland residents took it upon themselves to make a difference. They've been purchasing and collecting coats, clothing and supplies to help those in need. But its no ordinary donation bin. Neil is spending the week of November 29th-December 7th Tent Camping on the Rutland Town Common to show what kind of conditions our less fortunate neighbors have to deal with.
If you're out in the area you can drop by to show your appreciation or donate whatever you can. Otherwise, donations are also being collected HERE PayPal: me.paypal/nviner or Venmo: @neil-viner-1 All funds raised go toward buying winter clothing after the campout to be given to homeless veterans in the region.
Below you can watch a Worcester News piece from last year's efforts and hear from the man himself. We could all learn something from this about helping our Vets and making a difference in our own communities. Bravo, Mr. Viner.
via Neil Viner-FB Michael J. Nicholson
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