Lowell Veterans Commission reports donations, toy delivery and event logistics; pantry and flag efforts noted

Chairman Paul Paradise announced the commission distributed 15 donated care "buckets" to the Crescent House and described participating in Operation Christmas Hero by delivering what he called a FedEx truck full of toys to a Hanscom family.

"We gave out 15 buckets for vets to the Crescent House," Paradise said, noting the donations were community-sourced. He later identified partners associated with the care packages as Coats for Vets, Ocean State Job Lot, Home Depot and state police and said no commission budget funds were used for the buckets.

Commission members also reported a pantry donation from the Army Corps of Engineers and discussed logistics for placing flags at local cemeteries: one participant referenced placing about 5,000 flags with volunteer help. Members praised the contribution of ROTC students and volunteer groups in past events and said the city's Neighborhood Response Unit and partner organizations help identify and assist homeless or unhoused veterans.

Paradise said the commission has a low number of veterans living on the street and cited "only 4" he counted as living on the street; he and other members described a coordinated approach involving the health department, police NRU, a Bridal Club program and the sheriff's office to assist veterans who need housing or services.

On event planning, Paradise said Memorial Day will likely occur at Veterans Park with wreath-laying and school participation; he said he will coordinate details with members ahead of the holiday. At the meeting's close Paradise called for adjournment and the meeting was seconded and ended.