ASHTON — There are roughly 17,000 U.S. veterans in Northern Illinois many of whom need help with housing, food, and the daily necessities many of us take for granted.
It is unimaginable that those that have put their lives on the line to protect our freedom are suffering with their day-to-day existence. A majority of the homeless Veterans are located in Rockford simply because the surrounding counties do not or cannot provide services for their veterans.  
Veterans from surrounding counties, which include Lee, Ogle, and DeKalb, seek help in Rockford at the Veterans Drop in Center located at the corner of 15th Avenue and South Fourth Street in Rockford.

The Veterans Drop in Center provides a positive social environment with direct referrals to all Veterans’ and social organizations to help them in whatever way they can, whether it is personal care items, food, or housing. Their facility also offers computer usage, free haircuts once a month, and a light dinner every night.
 It is the mission of the Ashton Lions Club, along with the District 1-D Lions, to recognize Veterans and provide help where help is needed. They are asking the citizens of the community to help with this project by donating what they can. They are in need of paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, combs, brushes, tooth paste, tooth brushes, mouth wash, lotions, bed sheets, pillows, pillow cases, blankets, sleeping bags, bath and hand towels, wash clothes, and paper plates and cups just to name a few.  
All items collected will be distributed where needed as suggested by the Veterans Drop In Center and by District 1–D Coordinator for the Homeless Veteran Project, Lion Dennis Nelson.
During the month of June collection barrels will be placed throughout Ashton and Franklin Grove as well as at the Ashton Lions Car Show on June 11.  They are encouraging everyone to take a stand and help Veterans. Veterans should not be victims of society or circumstances in our area. Let’s show them we care and appreciate all they have done for us.