The Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center will be distributing clothing to homeless veterans attending the Winterhaven Homeless Veterans Stand Down on Saturday, January 13, 2007, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 400 homeless veterans are expected to attend the event at the VA Medical Center.

ZIPS Dry Cleaning has generously offered to clean coats, sweaters, flannel shirts, and sweatshirts without charge. ZIPS is collecting these items though December 24, 2006. In Maryland, its stores are located in Annapolis, College Park, Frederick, Laurel, Marlow Heights, Rockville, and Timonium. Collections will also be accepted in Virginia at ZIPS sites in Alexandria, Falls Church (two locations), and Fredericksburg. The ZIPS Van Ness store in Washington, D.C. is also a collection location. For more information about ZIPS warm clothing donation and cleaning drive and directions to locations, contact www.321zips.com .

Medical Center Director, Sanford M. Garfunkel commented that the services provided by ZIPS and other sponsors of the Winterhaven Homeless Stand Down are invaluable. “We are grateful for their generous contributions. The beneficiaries of this program have risked their health, in fact, their lives on our behalf. And now, for a variety of reasons are homeless. We owe them so much.”

In addition to the clothing drive, the Winterhaven Homeless Stand Down program will provide medical screenings, mental health consultations, VA benefits counseling, employment support and housing services to eligible homeless veterans.

In addition to ZIPS, many other organizations and businesses are making financial donations or various goods and services. For information about how to contribute to the event and other medical center activities to veterans, contact Paula Gorman, Chief, Voluntary Service, VA Medical Center, 50 Irving Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20422, 202-745-8320.