Volunteer to help our veterans on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North Idaho Veterans' Stand Down, held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene. This is your opportunity to show your appreciation to our local veterans for their service. The Stand Down is a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help homeless veterans ... This year's efforts are on jobs, access to community services, and donated food, clothing, and limited surplus military items. Services available to veterans and their families at the Stand Down include: medical and dental assistance, service providers with information on housing, food and other programs assisting homeless veterans, military surplus, clothing vouchers, fresh produce, haircuts, veterinary services, and bike repair.

Volunteers play a key role in the success of the event. Volunteer needs include: set up, greeters, registration, and fresh produce distribution, servers for the hot meal and personal assistants for those with disabilities.

"This event could not happen without the hundreds of volunteers who come out to help each year," said Jessica Godderz, Stand Down Volunteer Coordinator. "The number of people that give their Saturday to serve those who have served our country is truly amazing."

If you are interested in volunteering for the Veterans Stand Down you can register at www.kootenaiunitedway.org or call 208-667-8112.

How to help

The United Way of Kootenai County's Volunteer Center is CONNECTING PEOPLE. The center plays a vital role as a "One Stop Volunteer Resource Center" that continually links individuals and groups to a wide variety of ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities. For more information about volunteer opportunities visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website www.kootenaiunitedway.org.