As Veteran’s Day approaches, it’s a special time to recognize the brave men and women who have proudly served this country through military service.
However, not all veterans receive the honor and praise they rightfully deserve, and many are struggling with day-to-day because of homelessness or food insecurity. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has prided itself on being a landing place for veterans looking for work since the beginning days of our company, but we take it a step further and work to give back to veterans in need through Movers for Military®.
Movers for Military is one of the fall giving campaigns developed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Franchises partner with the community to collect essential care items for local veterans in need. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises who choose to run Movers for Military connect with local businesses, organizations, and schools to set up collection sites and community events to gather items needed by the veteran’s shelter or organizations they partner with.
“I sat down and talked with our franchisee, Alan Oversmith, and we talked about what was important us [for giving back to the community], and we both agreed on Movers for Military,” said Charlene Bush, a multi-unit marketing director for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. “We both have family who have been active service members, so it was near and dear to both of our hearts.”
Bush and Oversmith coordinated a partnership with Michigan Ability Partners at the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Ann Arbor, Mich., franchise, assisting in their mission of helping homeless veterans into better living situations.
“Whether it’s permanent or temporary housing, they provide help to veterans, “Bush said. “Where we kind of fill in the gap is doing collection drives to collect basic needs [for the veterans in need].”
Movers for Military allows TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises to get out and make a difference, and it’s something that is very important to our brand as a whole.
Many TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises have veteran employees at all levels, and others have friends and family who were active service members, making the chance to work with veterans in need a rewarding experience.
“We do Movers for Military every year,” said Alyssa Watts, the marketing coordinator for the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Macomb/Detroit, Mich., franchises. “My grandpa was a veteran, and it’s something very close to me. To see veterans on the street, it’s heartbreaking to know that they served for us and we’re not doing anything for them.”
The Macomb/Detroit franchises partner with two organizations – Care Patrol and VetLife – running multiple events throughout the fall season to either collect items to donate to veterans on Veteran’s Day, or events where those in need can come out and enjoy a nice day.
“To be able to serve them and give them what they need to move forward in their next chapter of life is a great thing for us,” Watts said.
To learn more about Movers for Military and other TWO MEN AND A TRUCK charitable programs, click here!
