A one-day Stand Down for Veterans who need help or are homeless will be held July 23 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is made possible through the dedication of community volunteers. Volunteer needs for the event include: set up and clean up, food distribution, clothing distribution, serving breakfast, parking and security, garbage and bathroom maintenance, registration and shopping cart assistants.

The Stand Down connects veterans and their families to much needed services which include: medical assistance, dental, job placement assistance, military surplus, clothing, food/fresh produce, haircuts, veterinary services, bike repair, a hot meal and access to other community resources.

"The program has become recognized as the most valuable outreach tool to help homeless veterans in the nation today," according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

According to Department of Veterans Affairs officials, the 2010 North Idaho Veterans Stand Down was the largest one-day Stand Down held in the country. Official attendance, as verified by the Spokane Health Care for Homeless Veterans Coordinator was 1,616. The committee expects more than 2,000 to be in attendance this year.

If you would like to volunteer for this event you can register online at www.kootenaiunitedway.org or contact the United Way Volunteer Center at 667-8112 or email volunteer@kootenaiunitedway.org