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Program Raises Funds To Help Vets In Need

Jasmina Meyer/Highlands Today

Juanita Berrones rummages through the clothing pile at the Veteran's Council of Highlands County Inc. Yard Sale on Friday in Sebring. Berrones said "it's great, it makes you buy some more stuff and they get more money, we can't forget about them."

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By JIM KONKOLY

Highlands Today

Published: November 8, 2008

SEBRING - The driveway and garage of Mike and Mary Basile's home on Pinewood Boulevard, filled with people looking at hundreds of items ranging from golf clubs to glass ware, looked like a typical garage sale on Friday.

But this garage sale, which continues today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Pine and Lake subdivision off Lakeview Drive, has a special purpose - helping military veterans who have fallen on hard times.

Every dollar made goes to the Highlands County Veterans Services Council Inc., which launched its veteran's assistance program 19 months ago.

The program offers one-time financial assistance to military veterans who live year-round in Highlands County, have an honorable discharge, and need help to get over a financial hardship, Basile said.

Basile, a retired letter carrier, took on the lead role in meeting with veterans who have applied for help on July 1, following the service of Carl Arthur.

Since being launched in March 2007, more than $12,000 in assistance has been given out to veterans in need, said Betsy Waddell, chairman of the veterans council, an umbrella organization of the 26 veterans groups in Highlands County.

"The need has grown and we're trying to keep pace, not always successfully, but we're trying," Waddell said. "There is a big need and it's growing. With the economy going down, more people are coming up short."

Basile said the veterans assistance program started with a maximum cap of $250 in aid per case, but that has had to be dropped to $200 to stretch out the available dollars.

Assistance often goes to help pay rent or utility bills, but also can be used for groceries, medical supplies and other needs, Basile said. No cash payments are made to an individual, he added. Approved expenses are paid directly.

Assistance is approved by the three-member veterans assistance committee, comprised of Basile, Harry Marsh and Gary Madison.

About taking on the volunteer assignment of meeting with fellow veterans seeking help, Basile said, "I don't think of it as being tough, because I'm fortunate and I'm helping others who are not as fortunate.

"I reach out in any way I can. And to see the expressions on the people's faces when we can help, that's reward enough."

Referring to his four years in the Air Force, stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base in northern Michigan, Basile added, "Some of the people (helped) have been overseas and served in combat, and all I had to fight off was frostbite."

When a veteran who qualifies needs groceries, Waddell said, she often acquires food donations from veterans groups around the county, in order to preserve the cash in the assistance fund.

Basile said he sometimes can find the help needed without having to tap into the fund. For example, he said, in some cases the need is for a wheelchair or a walker and he can supply one from the medical supplies donated regularly to the veterans council by individuals and veterans groups.

Joe Dionne, director of the Highlands County Veterans Services office and a member of the veterans council, said the veterans assistance program was launched for one reason.

"It reflects the way we were all brought up, to help," he said. "Fortunately we have people in the community who are willing to do that."

Funding for the veterans assistance program comes from the annual Highlands County Veterans Council's Military Ball, launched in 2007, with the third annual ball coming up in March. Veterans organizations have made donations and Waddell said she expects more garage sales to be held as fundraisers.

"We have to have ongoing projects to keep raising money," Waddell said.

Basile said the veterans council will soon begin selling $10 tickets for a six days/five nights vacation trip for two to the Asheville, N.C. and Biltmore Estates area of North Carolina as a fundraiser for the assistance program.

"We have to keep this rolling," he said about efforts to raise funds.

To apply for assistance or to make a contribution to the veterans assistance fund, call the Highlands County Veterans Service office at 863-402, 6623. Dionne said the calls will be forwarded to the veterans council.

Basile said one of his most memorable moments working in the assistance program came about a month ago, when he received a call from a couple who had received help in making a rent payment two months earlier.

"They said they were both working now and getting their priorities in order," he recalled. "And they said they will remember."

Whether or not that was a hint that they will contribute to the fund down the road doesn't matter, Basile said.

"What's important," he said, "is that we're glad we were here and able to help."

Jim Konkoly can be reached at 863-386-5855 or e-mail jkonkoly@highlandstoday.com

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