Christopher Millette, Erie Times News, February 28th, 2015
Original Article: http://www.goerie.com/coast-guard-members-help-vet-center-get-ready
U.S. Coast Guard Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Tim Perrigo, left, 34, of Olean, N.Y., reaches for a box being lifted by Coast Guard Fireman Joey Phelps, 21, center, of Logan, Ohio, as they assist Veterans Miracle Center-Erie employee Don Duberow, 64, right, of Fairview Township, during a volunteering project at the nonprofit in Erie on Feb. 27. About a dozen enlisted members of Coast Guard Station Erie participated to help the center prepare for its April 2015 opening. The nonprofit aims to serve Erie area veterans in need by distributing new household items to about 1,000 qualifying veterans per year. ANDY COLWELL/ERIE TIMES-NEWS
The Veterans Miracle Center-Erie had some extra help Friday: About a dozen enlisted members of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Erie station were on hand to help the nonprofit prepare for its opening.
The center, 1573 W. 39th St., aims to serve Erie-area veterans in need by distributing new household items. The organization hopes to serve about 1,000 qualifying veterans annually.
“VMC-Erie is a destination for our veterans who are struggling to make ends meet, or are disabled and need assistance,” James Martin, a spokesman with the center, has said. “They can come here for hope, honor and help.”
The center is expected to be open by early April, officials said.
For more information, go to www.vmcerie.org.
