Orland Township Supports Veterans During Make a Difference Day

Orland Township is participating in the annual Make a Difference Day, sponsored by USA WEEKEND Magazine.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9am to noon, Orland Township is hosting Operation Care to Remember, an event benefiting the Manteno Veterans Home.
 
Donations will be collected at Orland Township, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, for the 340 veterans who reside at the Manteno home. Items that are needed are: new sweatpants (large and extra large sizes), plain cotton socks without elastic, books on tape, spice drops, cookies, sugar free cookies, candy, sugar free candy, wheelchair cup holders, powdered drink mixes, wheelchair ashtrays, Fixodent denture adhesive, 6-ounce foam cups, shaving balm, new sweatshirts (large and extra large sizes), large bath towels, cologne (male and female), peanut butter and crackers, large bottles of punch, hair dressing (ex. VO-5, Groom & Clean), toothpaste, toothbrushes, chocolate (ex. M&M's, etc.) and additional miscellaneous items. Monetary donations will also be accepted.  Participants may donate prior to Oct. 23 by delivering items to Orland Township.
 
Orland Township has participated in Make a Difference Day for the past 10 years, dedicating its efforts to the Manteno Veterans Home since 2000. Honoring the veterans for their service is the goal behind the project and one in which residents are quick to sponsor. Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady made the decision to continue the partnership with the Veterans Home because he has witnessed firsthand the generosity of Orland Township residents when it comes to the cause.
 
"Orland Township residents have shown they are some of the most charitable and giving people a community could be comprised of," said O'Grady. "I am confident that this will be a great success for all and that the vets will be taken care of."
 
The Manteno Veterans Home opened in 1986 and resides on 122 acres. It consists of five major nursing care units and two ancillary service and support buildings. The institution can house up to 340 eligible veterans, who are met with skilled care in addition to Alzheimer Unit programs and services.
 
Make a Difference Day is an annual event that was created to promote community service and helping others. Participated in by millions, communities and towns across the country create and implement service programs and events to be conducted on one specific day. The 2010 event is supported by WE tv, the official cable partner, the NBA and NBA Players Association, Cisco and Newman's Own.
 
For additional information on Operation Care to Remember or to volunteer, please call (708) 403-4222 or visit www.orlandtwp.org.