For some Rhode Island veterans, service never stops even after you stop serving.
That’s why a group in Burrillville have made it their new mission to make sure those less fortunate in their community have a closet full of clothes to wear.
For a few years now, the American Legion Post 88 off Chapel Street has been collecting clothes and other similar items.
Since that was such a success, recently they upgraded to a large shed. What was once 8×10 is now 8×16.
“People get nice clothing and they’re not excited about throwing it into a metal bin on the side of the road,” said Post Commander Raymond Trinque. “I think they know we do a good job here and they want to bring it to us.”
Items are dropped off through a shed shoot.
A security camera watches over it overnight, and about every 10 days a volunteer veteran goes through everything.
“I asked for people to volunteer, and we got plenty, right now we have about 5 people that on a regular basis come down here and look at things,” said Trinque. “People throw stuff in bags, we go in and we make sure the bags are sealed and make sure things are in bags. If we find something that’s really nice, we will keep it for the local people of Burrville, Smithfield, veterans, and other organizations that support veterans.”
Trinque has set up racks both inside the shed and the post. There are currently several winter coats on the rack.
He said over the past few years people in need have been receptive to ask for help.
“My number is out there if anyone wants to call me privately at any time they can come down and look at some of the things we have,” he said. “We will definitely do that too and we’ve done that in the past.”
For the clothes that aren’t given away, go to St Pauly and sometimes are sent overseas.
“We get paid by the bag, an average of 11 pounds per bag,” said Trinque. “We do other smaller fundraisers for our post, between cans and the clothes. We were able to provide a meal at our meetings and do little things like that.”
Last year, Post 88 donated more than 50,000 pounds of clothing to the organization but in reality, they donated even more than that since a lot of it was donated locally.
That donation resulted in thousands of people receiving clothes.
“It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” said Trinque. “The amount is added to the recycling for the town of Burrville so not only are we helping out people individually, but we are helping the town with their recycling projects and that gets us a better rate at the dump and puts us at a higher level amongst the other towns in the state.”
Trinque said the shed is something he and his members pride themselves on.
“The community has been very, very good to us. Everyone is really sold on this shed, the members appreciate what we do with it,” said Trinque. “There’s a lot of things that come out of one little shed. We’re still serving, we’re all still serving.”
Donations can be dropped off at 120 Chapel St, or donors can arrange to have the items picked up by calling 401-651-5634.