Donations of clothes, hygiene products, more sought by Team Rubicon
By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor
TOMAHAWK – Veterans of Foreign Wars Wurl-Feind-Ingman Post 2687 in Tomahawk asked, and the Northwoods delivered.
After the VFW post announced that it was holding a blanket and quilt drive for the Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy, donations poured in.
According to a post on the VFW post’s Facebook page, more than 100 blankets and quilts had been collected as of Tuesday, Sept. 7, a week after the drive was launched.
“Thank you beautiful people of the Northwoods!” the post stated.
Team Rubicon seeking donations
The VFW post said this week that it is “shifting gears and asking for donations that are being requested by Team Rubicon.” Items collected will assist personnel and refugees Fort McCoy and Volk Field.
Team Rubicon, a disaster response organization founded by U.S. Marines William McNulty and Jacob “Jake” Wood, is seeking “unbranded, modest” clothing for babies, children, women and men. Although summer and fall clothing are currently being collected, winter items will be considered later this month.
Donations of “child-specific” items, such as diapers, baby wipes, formula, bottles and more, are sought.
The organization is seeking donations of water in plastic bottles, as well as water-soluble electrolyte, hydration and vitamin powders and liquids.
Bars of soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, deodorant, towels, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes and other hygiene products are requested.
Phone chargers, prayer rugs, backpacks, sunscreen, and other miscellaneous items may also be donated.
Only new donated items will be accepted.
Donations may be dropped off at the VFW post, 203 S. 4th St., Tomahawk, on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
To view a full list of items requested by Team Rubicon, visit VFW Post 2687’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VFW.TOMAHAWK/.
About Team Rubicon
“Team Rubicon serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises,” the organization’s website states. “Team Rubicon’s mission is providing relief to those affected by disaster, no matter when or where they strike. By pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, medical professionals, and technology solutions, Team Rubicon aims to provide the greatest service and impact possible.”
Team Rubicon said 70% of its volunteers are veterans, many having served in Afghanistan.
“This is a deeply personal mission for our volunteers to support Afghan allies that worked shoulder-to-shoulder with them overseas,” the organization stated.
For information on how to donate directly to Team Rubicon, provide new donated goods, or volunteer with the organization, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org/.