The employees of the VA Medical Center (VAMC), Fayetteville, AR partners with the local University of Arkansas Registered Student Organization – Military Past and Present on Campus (MPPOC) to identify needs and distribute school supplies to Northwest Arkansas veterans and their families.

The Federal Women Program (FWP) committee, at the VAMC in Fayetteville, AR recently conducted a school supply drive titled “Send ‘em Packin” for veterans and their families.  The FWP School Supply Drive committee was led by Sue Crawford, Chairperson; Jelain Light, and Esther Wagner in Fayetteville; Mary Lee Sheldon in Mt. Vernon, MO; and Dana Vickery in Ft. Smith, AR.  Boxes with yellow school buses crafted on them were strategically placed around the VAMC and the employees of the center dropped off schools supplies from 1-31 July 2008.  The supplies included: backpacks; paper; pencils; folders; pens; glue; color markers; colored pencils; USB Thumb Drives; crayons; rulers; and much more.

During the first two weeks of August, MPPOC identified and distributed almost all of the supplies to Northwest Arkansas veterans and their families.  The other remaining items were disbursed into the community at common areas/places that veterans and their families frequent for them to be able to utilize at those locations.  The items were dropped off at daycare centers, churches, and community centers, etc.

The totals are in and what a success! Through the FWP and the employees of the VAMC (Fayetteville, Ft. Smith, and Mt. Vernon), MPPOC was able to distribute enough schools supplies to help a total of 21 veterans, with a combined service of 203 1/2 years, from all branches of service, and 47 veteran children.  The families were so appreciative and give many thanks to the FWP and the VAMC employees for their generous support.  The students and staff advisor for MPPOC want to thank the FWP, and the employees of the VA, for selecting us to participate in this program.  This program/project showed that the above parties are focused on placing the veteran “first” and are committed to quality care of the veterans’ of Northwest Arkansas and Southern Missouri.