Chapter 78 in the Community

       As a Veterans’ Service Organization, Chapter 78 supports veterans and their families in Sonoma County.  Traditionally, funds for these projects came in the way of financial support from the national Military Order of the Purple Heart organization through the Purple Heart Foundation.  These funds are allocated for specific veteran-only projects and are controlled by very rigid guidelines spelled out in the MOPH Bylaws. 

       A few years ago, these funds began to dry up.  For a number of reasons, the Chapter began to get less money from these traditional sources.  It looked as though they would stop all together and we would be left to fend for ourselves.  We discussed our dilemma and decided to raise our own funds.  This turned out to be very lucrative for the Chapter, and combined with reduced requests for help from local veterans, we had extra funds.  We knew there were others in our community who also needed a helping hand and, although we are a veterans’ service organization, we are also a part of the community and we felt compelled to help when and where we can. 

       So, the Chapter started a new program we called “Vets Helping Teachers”.  This program gives money to teachers to help them purchase much-needed classroom supplies. The program started in August 2016 and has been a big success; giving grants of $250 to individual teachers to help defray the out-of-pocket costs of classroom supplies.  To date, we have given more than $20,000 to teachers in Sonoma County.  Vets Helping Teachers is off to a good start and we plan to continue it in the future.

       As funds become available, the Chapter will attempt to identify needy areas in the community and render assistance when we can.  For more information, or if you have questions about this program and other community outreach programs by Chapter 78, contact us at:  vets@purpleheart78.org

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