The seventh annual Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive for Georgia’s homeless veterans kicks off July 4 (Independence Day) through Sept. 7, 2018.
 
Sponsored by the Georgia District Pilot International Clubs and Georgia Cancer Specialists, affiliated with Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, the drive collects much-needed toiletry and personal care items to fill “comfort bags” for veterans who attend Stand Down events throughout North and Central Georgia.
 
“Stand Down” is a military term that refers to the time when troops are brought back from the battlefield for rest and recuperation. Each year, Stand Down events across the country provide health care and other services to help thousands of homeless Veterans get back on their feet.
 
The 2017 Stand Up for Stand Down drive collected more than 10,000 pounds of toiletry items that filled more than 2,000 comfort bags for homeless veterans in Georgia. Excess toiletry items were donated to local non-profit agencies providing relief to survivors of last year’s devastating hurricanes in the Southeast.
 
Travel/sample-size toiletry and personal care items are needed including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, combs/brushes, body wash/soap, shampoo and conditioner, lotion and feminine products. Donations can be dropped off at any of the 26 Georgia Cancer Specialists locations in Georgia.