St. Anthony's and Chrome Shoes invite veterans to "Walk a mile in their shoes"

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Veterans Day on Sunday, November 11^th, St. Anthony Foundation will join forces with a broad coalition of public, private, and nonprofit partners to honor homeless veterans. "At St. Anthony's, every day is Veterans Day," noted Barry Stenger, Interim Executive Director.  "The heartbreaking reality is that 20% of the nearly 3,000 meals we serve at St. Anthony's are served to veterans." 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121106/DC07213)

Veterans who eat at St. Anthony's will receive a gift bag complete with a brand new pair of shoes from Chrome, socks from Planet Sox, tee-shirts, and toiletries.  Also, a group of homeless veterans representing St. Anthony's and the VA Downtown Clinic will march in the parade together. Volunteers from the VA will be on site at St. Anthony's to help fit veterans with shoes and direct them to additional services.   

What: Veterans Day Shoes and Sock Giveaway

When: Sunday, November 11^th:  11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: St. Anthony Foundation
240 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA  94102

St. Anthony's and the VA provide key links to veterans who face extreme isolation and critical services to help them rebuild their lives. Based on data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the number of homeless vets decreased from 76,000 in 2011 to 67,495 in 2012.  Bobbie Rosenthal, spokesperson for the VA, attributed this decrease in part to "the hard work and dedication of community partnerships working together that make a positive difference in the life of our homeless veterans."

Craig Newmark, founder of craiglist.org and craigconnects sounded an alarm three years ago to rally support for homeless veterans.  His call to action has continued to be heard year after year as social service agencies grapple to deal with the numbers of homeless veterans they serve. Newmark remarked, "On behalf of craigconnects, I'm happy to connect generous donors with vital services that support veterans.  A nerd's gotta do what a nerd's gotta do."

Elie Levy, CEO & President of Planet Sox/PS Brands, LLC, felt obligated to be a part of our giveaway after hearing about St. Anthony's through Craig Newmark. "I feel that as an American who enjoys the freedom that our Vets fight for and as a businessman who enjoys free market in this great country, I have an obligation to give back. It is the most perfect way to be patriotic."

Tara Moeller, Director of Marketing for Chrome, remarked, "We are excited to work with St. Anthony's again this Veteran's Day. Last year the response to our shoe giveaway was so positive that we're bringing it back. It's the least we can do for people who have given so much."

About St. Anthony's: Since 1950 St. Anthony's programs have offered gateways out of poverty by addressing immediate and long term needs.  St. Anthony's does not seek federal, state, or local government grants, and is funded by private donations. For more information, visit www.stanthonysf.org

SOURCE St. Anthony Foundation