Program aims to spread holiday cheer to homeless veterans

By Tiffany Gibson

Monday, Dec. 14, 2009 | 1:50 a.m.

All U.S. Army veteran Kenneth Fieldes wants for Christmas is a medical alert bracelet to monitor his heart problems.

Fieldes said he had three heart attacks last year and needs the bracelet in case his health fails again.

Like Fieldes, many residents at the United States Veterans Initiative, 525 E. Bonanza Road, have filled out wish lists for the second annual Homeless Partners Wish List Program. This year the program is taking wishes from two other facilities: The Las Vegas Rescue Mission and The WestCare Community Involvement Center.

Organizer Sharon Anderson of the Greater Las Vegas Church of Christ’s chapter of HOPE Worldwide created the program in 2008 after she became inspired by a similar project in Vancouver, Canada. She said the Christmas wish list allows homeless residents to receive donated necessities.

“This is important because Nevada has one of the largest homeless populations,” Anderson said. “I have a roof over my head, but that could be me. Everyone is one paycheck away from being homeless.”

Anderson said 102 people have filled out wish lists that are viewable on the Homeless Partners Web site. Anyone can visit the site and make an anonymous donation, she said.

She said the Las Vegas Rescue Mission had 21 applicants this year.

Chris Odle, volunteer coordinator for the rescue mission, said applications were given to homeless residents who often visit the shelter for meals. He said some of the main items requested are socks, heavy coats and calling cards.

“Gifts will make these people happy because they feel like they’re forgotten,” Odle said. “It lets them know someone cares enough to meet their needs. There is no gift too small.”

He said the shelter is scheduled to hold a Christmas Eve party where Homeless Partners volunteers will deliver wrapped gifts to residents. Odle said residents are appreciative of any gift they receive.

The United States Veterans Initiative also is scheduled to host a party Dec. 23 for residents to open gifts and celebrate the holiday.

Fieldes said he hopes to write “thank you” letters to families who donate and pledge gifts.

“I love Christmas and I hope I can send something to someone else next year,” Fieldes said.

Pete Grabowski, a United States Veterans Initiative resident and National Guard veteran, said one of the best gifts anyone could receive is a job. He said times are rough but veterans are willing to work.

U.S. Army veteran Dale Roberts said he is interviewing for jobs and wished for a laptop. He said he’s a former machinery mechanic from San Diego and needs a laptop to check e-mail.

“It’s nice to have a wish every now and then,” Roberts said.

As site director of the United State Veterans Initiative, Shalimar Cabrera said she considers herself blessed to be a part of the program.

“People should serve them (veterans) like they served our country,” Cabrera said. “There are more than 4,300 homeless veterans in Nevada. We would like this project to grow.”