Culture
Athens Area Stand Down seeks volunteers for eighth annual event
< < Back toATHENS, Ohio – The Athens Area Stand Down Committee seeks volunteers to assist with the upcoming 8th Annual Athens Area Stand Down event, scheduled for October 6 at the Athens County Fairgrounds (286 W. Union St.).
In previous years, the event has helped over 300 people connect with community and veteran resources. The attendees are connected with community resources and given items necessary to alleviate challenges of homelessness such as food, clothing and toiletries.
Those interested in volunteering for the event itself can reach out to do so right up until the day of the event. The planning committee for the event meets every fourth Tuesday of the month. While there is no particular deadline to join the planning effort, the next meeting of the planning committee happens June 27, so if interested in joining that meeting, reach out by June 26.
If interested in volunteering, contact Ms. Kathy Hecht at kt_hecht@mail.com.
Find more information about the event (or donate to the cause) by visiting www.athensareastanddown.org or checking out the event’s page on Facebook.
The 8th Annual Athens Area Stand Down happens October 6 at the Athens County Fairgrounds 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. is for veterans only, and the event opens up to the other community members 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
The term “Stand Down” comes from military vernacular, referring to the wartime practice of allowing exhausted combat units time to rest and recover away from the battlefield. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment.
Stand Down events are grassroots, community-based intervention programs designed to help our nation’s homeless “combat” life on the streets. Homeless individuals are brought together in a single location and are provided access to the community resources needed to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives.