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Toiletry drive in Cumming benefits homeless vets
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Forsyth County News

CUMMING — Georgia Cancer Specialists, which has a Cumming branch, is participating in the Stand Up for Stand Down toiletry drive for homeless veterans.

“[It] is an annual event that goes on typically from the Fourth of July through Labor Day, where we collect travel-size toiletry items that are distributed through the VA Medical Center in Atlanta to homeless veterans in the Metro area,” explained Robin Williams, organizer.

Georgia Cancer Specialists, affiliated with Northside Hospital System, will accept donations at any of its north Georgia and metro Atlanta locations until Sept. 11. The Cumming branch is at 1505 Northside Blvd., Suite 4300.

“During normal clinic’s hours, which are generally 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., anyone can just come in and put those donated items in the collection box,” Williams said.

The name of the event comes from the military term “stand down,” a time when soldiers return from the battlefield to rest.

“The items that we collect are toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs and brushes, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, body wash and soap, hand sanitizers, body powders, antiseptics creams or lotions,” Williams said. “And we do accept feminine products, because unfortunately there are female homeless veterans.”

After the drive ends, the items are taken to a centralized location where volunteers fill bags at “pack parties” for distribution.

“Last year we made 850 bags and we donated in excess of a ton-and-a-half of items, the toiletry items to the VA center because we ran out of bags,” Williams said.

More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/SU4SD or (770) 864-5347.