Stand Downs are vital events designed to help homeless and at-risk Veterans by providing them with the essential resources and services they need. These events are a lifeline, offering Veterans access to food, clothing, hygiene items, and more. Soldiers’ Angels proudly supports Stand Downs, offering aid and comfort to those who have served our country.

What Are Stand Downs?

A Stand Down is a community event where Veterans can receive help in a safe, welcoming environment. The term “Stand Down” comes from military language, meaning a place where soldiers could rest and recover. During times of war, exhausted combat units were pulled from the front lines and sent to a secure base camp to rest and recover. In these safe havens, troops could tend to personal hygiene, change into clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, and receive much-needed medical and dental care. They could also send and receive letters, and most importantly, reconnect with fellow soldiers in a secure, supportive environment.

Today, Stand Downs are held nationwide to help Veterans in need. These events offer critical services such as housing assistance, job search assistance, healthcare, meals, and essential items like hygiene and clothing.

Stand Downs help Veterans, specifically those experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless, stabilize their lives and connect with important resources. They serve as a way to give back to those who have given so much for our freedom.

How Soldiers’ Angels Helps Veterans at Stand Downs

Soldiers’ Angels is committed to supporting Stand Downs by providing essential supplies to Veterans in need. Our dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to deliver non-perishable boxed lunches, hygiene kits, clothing, and more to those attending these vital events.

Many of our annual Special Campaigns directly contribute to Stand Down efforts—Warm Feet for Warriors supplies socks, Operation: Warm Winter provides blankets and winter clothing, and even Treats for Troops adds a sweet surprise for Veterans.

Additionally, our popular Corporate Engagement events bring company volunteers together throughout the year to pack hygiene kits, assemble non-perishable lunches, and craft no-sew blankets—all of which may be used at Stand Downs.

These contributions are critical in helping Soldiers’ Angels make a direct impact on homeless and at-risk Veterans. Every item, whether a meal, a blanket, or a hygiene kit, helps keep Veterans clean, fed, and comfortable as they access the services that can change their lives.

Making an Impact from Coast to Coast

While Stand Down events take place year-round across the country, the pace typically picks up in the fall to ensure homeless Veterans are ready for the colder months ahead. In just the first two weeks of September, Soldiers’ Angels volunteers have been hard at work from coast to coast, with many more events on the horizon. From El Dorado County, California, to Buffalo, New York, and Charleston, South Carolina, our volunteers are committed to making sure homeless and at-risk Veterans have the essentials they need to face the winter season.

El Dorado County Stand Down: September 13-14, 2024

The El Dorado County Stand Down served 132 Veterans over two days. Soldiers’ Angels handed out non-perishable box lunches, hygiene kits, and mini flags representing each branch of military service. The flags were a hit! Veterans loved proudly displaying their branch’s flag, especially those riding scooters.

The Veterans were very grateful for the hygiene kits and meals, which provided comfort during the event. The flags, though simple, added a special touch that Veterans deeply appreciated. This small gesture made a big impact.

Buffalo Stand Down: September 18, 2024

At the Buffalo Stand Down, Soldiers’ Angels volunteers supported around 250 Veterans. Our team distributed shirts, sweatpants, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and boxed lunches. The warm clothing was especially appreciated as we move into cooler months, and the hygiene kits helped many Veterans struggling with homelessness.

The event was a huge success, with Soldiers’ Angels volunteers connecting with Veterans and providing much-needed supplies to help them through difficult times.

Charleston Stand Down: September 20, 2024

At the Charleston Stand Down, Soldiers’ Angels provided essential box lunches and hygiene items to around 150 homeless or at-risk Veterans. The box lunches were packed with care by the Rotary Club of Daniel Island, and Coastal Community Church generously supplied lunch for both Veterans and volunteers. Coastal Community Church is a long-time partner of Soldiers’ Angels, supporting many of our Charleston food distribution events.

View more photos from Stand Down events supported by Soldiers’ Angels in our Flickr Album here!

Join Soldiers’ Angels in Supporting Veterans

Stand Downs make a real difference in the lives of Veterans, and Soldiers’ Angels is honored to support these events. Whether it’s providing a meal, a hygiene kit, or even a small flag, we’re committed to showing our Veterans that they are not forgotten.

Want to make a difference? Soldiers’ Angels relies on volunteers nationwide to staff these vital Stand Down events—and to reach even more locations, we need your help! Sign up as a volunteer today and join us in supporting homeless and at-risk Veterans in your community.

No time to volunteer? No problem! You can still make an impact by contributing to one of our Special Campaigns or involving your company in Corporate Engagement opportunities. These initiatives provide the essential supplies our volunteers need to support Stand Downs and ensure Veterans receive the care they deserve.

Want to make an impact through a donation instead? Your support will go a long way to help impact homeless and at-risk Veterans through Stand Downs, transportation assistance, food support, housing packs and more. Click the button now and help us make an impact!

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